Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

About the Author Brittany Mazique was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, but spent most of her middle school years in New Orleans. A voracious reader from an early age, Brittany discovered that most of her favorite characters did not share her skin color. So she just reimagined them that way instead. Now, as a mother of a precocious little brown girl, Brittany has committed herself to creating literary escapes for marginalized children and communities. Her stories aim to leave readers hopeful, inspired, and proud of who they are.Sawyer Cloud is a freelance illustrator from Madagascar. A member of SCBWI, she is the illustrator of the picture books Jade Braves the Dark and Dear Mama's Loving Arms. Product Description 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."―BooklistEvery 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. From 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 Christensenα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "Kids will connect with Delphine's holiday excitement, even when it causes trouble, and learn from the mistakes she makes."―Booklist"Purchase where friendship stories or picture books on Mardi Gras or carnival celebrations are needed."―School Library Journal