"One realizes soon enough that the authors know exactly
what they are doing: telling the truth about the archeology and the traditions
of Louisiana Indians."
—Walker
Percy on Louisiana Indian Tales
Alice Couvillon brings her rich Southern heritage to her children's books,
sharing the events, traditions, and cultural history that continue to impact her
life. A Louisiana native, Couvillon draws from her own experiences as both a
child and a mother in the unique New Orleans culture. Couvillon experienced her first Mardi Gras years ago, yet she perceived the
celebration in a new light after participating in it with her children for the
first time. This prompted her to write Mimi's First Mardi Gras
and, later, Mimi and Jean-Paul's Cajun Mardi Gras. Couvillon continues to write about her native culture, both in Louisiana
Indian Tales and in her latest book, Evangeline for
Children . She connects a well-known Acadian tragedy with South
Louisiana history. Couvillon attended school in Louisiana, graduating from Newcomb College in
New Orleans. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in history, she moved
on to graduate school, earning her M.A.T. from Tulane University in New Orleans.
For the past twenty-two years, Couvillon has taught high-school students
while working on her writing. She currently serves as chair of the
social-studies department at Mandeville High School in Louisiana, where she has
been teaching for thirteen years. The mother of four children, she now resides
in Covington, Louisiana. |