It’s February and the parades will be starting soon! This could be your family’s first, fourth, or fortieth Mardi Gras, but no matter how new or seasoned you might be, there’s always more to learn about this celebration.
Every New Orleans child needs a Mardi Gras book on their shelf. As with any event or topic, a book can heighten anticipation, deepen understanding, and offer new perspectives. The titles I’ve highlighted below are ones I’ve selected for my charter school network’s Mardi Gras reading event.
The Mardi Gras experience in a story
Mimi’s First Mardi Gras – from beignets on Mardi Gras morning to costumes and parades, experience Mardi Gras Day with Mimi and her parents.
Jenny Giraffe’s Mardi Gras Ride – Jenny the giraffe experiences her first Mardi Gras and prepares to ride on a float; luckily she has friends to help her get ready.
On Mardi Gras Day – from dawn to dusk, encountering Mardi Gras Indians to reenacting parades in the backyard on Mardi Gras afternoon, see Mardi Gras day through the eyes of a New Orleans’ child.
The Red Feather – “In New Orleans that morning, the air smelled sweet. I saw a red feather as I walked down the street.” Told in rhyme, vivid brushstrokes, and creative font, this story introduces you to the Mardi Gras Indians on Mardi Gras day.
Mardi Gras in the Country – for older children, go back in time and spend Mardi Gras day on Maw-Maw Badeaux’s front porch as masked riders pass.
Mardi Gras and Carnival – learn about the history, traditions, food, parades, and music of Mardi Gras – with lots of photographs to draw your child in.
Mardi Gras: A City’s Masked Parade – with one-page chapters and a focus on New Orleans, your child will learn the basics of the history and players in a New Orleans Mardi Gras.
A Mardi Gras Dictionary – this is not just one word per letter, but a real dictionary of Mardi Gras staples: from Ash Wednesday to doubloons, grandstands to ladders, queens to “Throw Me Something, Mister!”, this is a nice broad overview of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans – a children’s book that takes you on a journey throughout the Carnival season.
Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize – This joyful picture book, inspired by the author’s own experience celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans as a child, explores the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday.
The ABCs of New Orleans – An alphabet rhyming book written to highlight some of the city’s best features, through a child’s eyes.
The Little Bead Tree – In New Orleans, a little oak tree asks Grand Oak why it is so small in comparison. The Grand Oak replies that the young one is special and will one day everyone will see. As the seasons change and the tree grows, the young tree continues to ask why it isn’t as big, or as full of leaves, or strong and study. With a gentle voice the Grand Oak encourages and guides the small oak to have patience, stay grounded, and have trust in the future. When that future arrives, the Grand Oak celebrates the little trees uniqueness in this inspiring tale that encourages us to nurture the young and guide them towards their own unique nature.
And for a little bit of lagniappe, check out the Praline Lady. It’s a fun must have for your child’s bookshelf! You can purchase it here.
Check out your local library’s Mardi Gras collection (don’t forget that library card holders can place an online book request!) or visit your neighborhood book store to get your child ready for Mardi Gras 2022! Mardi Gras is BACK!
What is your favorite Mardi Gras book for your family?
Another few great ones are “Happy Mardi Gras” abd “The Adventures of Mardi Gras Bead Dog” by Cornell Landry.
Andrew also loves Harry Taylor, Who Dat Dog. 🙂