NEW ORLEANS — Eva Cole, author of the children’s book “I Heard a Vroom! Vroom! In My Bedroom,” invited students to her sports-themed book signing on Jan. 31.

The book takes readers through the adventures of a little boy’s dream after his racecar bed comes to life.

“This book teaches confidence, self-esteem and that if we help each other we can reach our dreams,” Cole said.

“It’s important at a young age to teach kids about compassion and reaching their dreams.”

Fifth Ward Principal Drenean Brown said the evening was quite an adventure for the approximately 20 students in grades second through fourth who made the trip.

“Now that we’re a pre-K through fourth-grade school literacy is No. 1,” she said. “Any event that allows us to be immersed in literacy is something we’re excited about.”

Brown said it was also a great opportunity for the students to experience things outside of their Reserve community.

In addition to meeting and speaking with an author, students took a walk through the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and got to dine on the terrace at the Renaissance Hotel, where the book signing took place.

Each student also went home with a copy of the book signed by Cole, her cousin Candice Cole, WJTV reporter in Washington, D.C., and football analyst Mike Detillier, all of whom students got to meet during the book signing.

Student Kerinna Singleton was happy to receive a handwritten note from an author.

“She wrote ‘go for your dreams and never give up,’” Singleton said.