Celebrating diverse cultures opens up a world of color, festivity, and learning for children, and there’s no holiday more vibrant than Mardi Gras to accomplish this. The grand parades, masks, music, and fascinating lore behind Mardi Gras have captivated imaginations for generations. Through storytelling, children can be introduced to this unique celebration in ways that are both educational and entertaining.
Here’s a guide to the top ten Mardi Gras books that will let kids experience the spirit of New Orleans without leaving their reading nook!
1.
What is Mardi Gras? – Mardi Gras History for Kids is a lively and educational book from the What Holiday is That? series that introduces young readers to the exciting world of Mardi Gras. It provides an easy-to-understand overview of Mardi Gras history, exploring how the festival began and evolved over time, with a focus on the traditions that make it so unique. The book combines colorful illustrations with engaging descriptions, making complex topics accessible and fun for kids. Along with historical insights, it includes 15 festive activities designed for children, such as mask-making, bead crafts, and simple recipes, allowing young readers to experience Mardi Gras in creative and hands-on ways. This book is an ideal resource for teaching kids about cultural celebrations while encouraging them to dive into the holiday’s festive spirit.
2. “The Bourbon Street Band is Back” by Ed Shankman
In this rhythmic tale, a broken-down band gets back together to bring music to Bourbon Street. Shankman’s use of rhyme makes the story especially engaging for young readers, while the book’s themes of friendship and celebration reinforce the spirit of Mardi Gras. Children are drawn into the rhythm of the words, echoing the sounds of a live band in the middle of a festive street.
3. “Mimi’s First Mardi Gras” by Alice Couvillon and Elizabeth Moore
Mimi’s first Mardi Gras experience is a heartfelt introduction to the traditions and fun of the festival. The book captures the excitement of a family celebration through the eyes of a young girl, showing how each generation carries on this lively tradition. The colorful illustrations of costumes, beads, and floats help young readers visualize the magic of Mardi Gras, making it a perfect choice for a child’s first Mardi Gras story.
4. “Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud” by Johnette Downing
In this Cajun folk tale, children learn about local wildlife and culture in a tale rooted in Louisiana’s unique environment. Downing tells a story full of humor and wisdom, using familiar animals to illustrate a moral lesson. With its whimsical language and beautiful artwork, this book brings Cajun culture to life, giving kids a perspective on Mardi Gras that goes beyond the festivities.
5. “Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras” by James Rice
Gaston, a lovable dog, embarks on an adventure through Mardi Gras celebrations. Rice’s book captures the spirit of Mardi Gras through Gaston’s eyes, blending playful illustrations with scenes of parades, floats, and the iconic Mardi Gras masks. Kids will laugh and cheer as Gaston explores each part of the celebration, making this a delightful read-aloud choice.
6.
The Little Purple Mardi Gras Bead is a charming story that follows the journey of a single purple bead as it gets swept up in the magic of Mardi Gras. This delightful tale introduces young readers to the festival’s traditions through the bead’s adventures, weaving in themes of friendship, belonging, and excitement. The book’s colorful illustrations bring the lively parades, floats, and celebrations of Mardi Gras to life, making it a captivating read. With its unique perspective and relatable message, The Little Purple Mardi Gras Bead* encourages kids to appreciate the joy of connection and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.
7.
Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize is an enchanting story that follows Delphine Denise, a young girl with big dreams of creating the best float in the Mardi Gras parade. Determined to win the grand prize, Delphine uses her creativity and spirit to design a float that reflects the magic of Mardi Gras. Along the way, she learns important lessons about teamwork, friendship, and the joy of celebration. This delightful book, filled with vibrant illustrations, brings the energy and color of Mardi Gras to life, inspiring young readers to embrace creativity and the power of community.
8.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans* offers young readers a vivid exploration of one of the world’s most famous celebrations. Through engaging storytelling and dynamic illustrations, the book introduces the history, customs, and excitement of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Kids are transported to the bustling streets filled with parades, dazzling costumes, colorful beads, and joyful music. It explains the traditions behind iconic Mardi Gras symbols, like masks and floats, while highlighting the unique blend of cultures that make New Orleans so special. A perfect read for children curious about festivals and cultural diversity, Mardi Gras in New Orleans captures the magic and spirit of this unforgettable celebration.
9.
ABC of Mardi Gras Book for Kids: Toddlers and Preschoolers with Facts about the Holiday – Happy Mardi Gras* is a playful introduction to Mardi Gras for little ones. Using the ABCs as a guide, each letter reveals a fun fact or tradition related to the holiday, from “A” for “Ash Wednesday” to “Z” for the famous “Zulu” parade. With bright illustrations and simple explanations, this book helps toddlers and preschoolers learn about Mardi Gras symbols, celebrations, and cultural details in an accessible way. Perfect for early readers, it’s a joyful way for young children to experience the colors, sounds, and excitement of Mardi Gras.
10.
Lola: The Bracelet of Courage is a heartwarming story about a young mermaid named Lola who embarks on an underwater adventure to find her inner courage. Written by Sarah Cullen and Carmen Ellis, and beautifully illustrated by Zuzana Svobodová, this enchanting book follows Lola as she discovers a magical bracelet that helps her face her fears. Along the way, she meets colorful sea creatures and learns valuable lessons about bravery and self-confidence. With its vibrant artwork and inspiring message, Lola: The Bracelet of Courage is a delightful tale that encourages children to believe in themselves and embrace the power of courage.
Why These Books Are Perfect for Different Age Groups
Each of these books aligns with different developmental stages, providing options for toddlers to pre-teens. While “Today is Mardi Gras” is perfect for early readers, “The Magic Feather” and “Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball” offer a more complex narrative for older kids. The books also pair well with hands-on activities, such as mask-making or a mini parade, to bring the stories to life.
Benefits of Reading Mardi Gras Books with Children
Reading these stories fosters cultural appreciation and introduces children to a world beyond their everyday lives. Mardi Gras books encourage children’s curiosity and broaden their understanding of diverse customs. Through these stories, children not only celebrate but also gain insights into the joy of cultural diversity, forming an emotional connection with the people and traditions of New Orleans.
How to Incorporate Mardi Gras Books into Celebrations at Home or School
Bring Mardi Gras to life at home or in the classroom by creating a festive, story-filled atmosphere. Set up a Mardi Gras-themed reading corner, where kids can don beads and masks as they listen to stories. You can also organize a mini Mardi Gras parade, where each child can dress up and showcase their own creative masks, just like the characters in the books. To add a tactile experience, pair each reading session with craft activities, like decorating masks, making paper floats, or creating “king cakes” with playdough. These hands-on elements make the stories memorable and allow children to express their creativity.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras books for kids are a wonderful gateway into the rich culture and exuberance of New Orleans. Each book in this list captures a unique aspect of Mardi Gras, from the history and vocabulary to the colorful parades and imaginative folklore. By reading these stories together, children can gain a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and find joy in traditions from different parts of the world. So, grab a book, bring out the beads, and let the spirit of Mardi Gras fill the room with excitement and wonder.
