Epossumondas Saves the Day

Author Bio: Coleen Salley

Coleen Salley built a worldwide reputation as a storyteller, children’s literature expert, and raconteur. She enthralled parents and their children with her heart-stirring and exuberant renditions of favorite books and stories. Professor Emerita Coleen Salley taught children’s literature and storytelling for thirty years at the University of New Orleans. She made hundreds of professional presentations and appearances at more than twenty national conferences. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ms. Salley grew up hearing the old tale “Epaminondas,” which became her trademark story. Her new adaptation appeared in print for the first time as Epossumondas. Winner of several awards for distinguished professional accomplishments, Coleen spent much of her life in the French Quarter in New Orleans—where she was known as Queen Coleen, a colorful character of Mardi Gras.