Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

by Brittany Mazique (Author) Sawyer Cloud (Illustrator)

Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

Delphine Denise likes things BIG. And what's bigger than a Mardi Gras prize?

"Kids will connect with Delphine's holiday excitement, even when it causes trouble, and learn from the mistakes she makes."--Booklist

Every year, Delphine Denise Debreaux and her friends ride their bikes together in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. But this year, there's a shiny prize for best float--and Delphine Denise just has to win it. How can her friends remind Delphine Denise what the parade is really all about?

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. Full of vibrant and festive illustrations, this story reminds readers that winning isn't everything, and the best way to let the good times roll is in the company of friends.

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Hardcover
$17.99

Booklist

Kids will connect with Delphine's holiday excitement, even when it causes trouble, and learn from the mistakes she makes.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3--Mardi Gras, the biggest celebration of the year, is Delphine Denise's favorite New Orleans holiday. Delphine, who is Black, and her three best friends always ride their bikes in the parade. This year, Delphine wants to win the grand prize crown, and that requires building a float. Delphine's friends help her decorate a wagon, but decide they would rather ride their bikes in the parade. As the parade marches through Jackson Square, Delphine's float falls apart with a loud clatter. Her friends offer to help, but she shrugs them off. The parade goes on without her. After the parade, the diverse friend group reconciles with a homemade king cake and crown. Colorful illustrations feature the traditional colors of Mardi Gras, which add a festive spirit to the story. The narrative doesn't fully explain the background of events; however, the back matter includes information on Mardi Gras and New Orleans words and phrases included in the text. VERDICT Purchase where friendship stories or picture books on Mardi Gras or carnival celebrations are needed.--Rita Christensen

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes


Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780807515488
Lexile Measure
520
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Albert Whitman & Company
Publication date
January 20, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV023000 - Juvenile Fiction | Lifestyles | City & Town Life
JUV017080 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Other, Non-Religious
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
African Americans
New Orleans (La.)
Contests
Parades
Carnival
Mardi Gras

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