Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

November 1, 2021
Delphine Denise Debreaux wants to win the grand prize for the best Mardi Gras float and nearly loses some friends in the process. Every year Delphine Denise, presenting as Black, and a group of friends (Anna Louise, Xavier, and Theodore) march in the Mardi Gras parade. They decorate their bikes with balloons and purple, gold, and green streamers, and together they bake and enjoy king cake. When they learn that the grand prize for the best Mardi Gras float is a crown, Delphine Denise becomes obsessed with winning. Anna Louise, Xavier, and Theodore are not concerned with victory and merely want to hang out. When the big day arrives, Delphine Denise steers a towering float along the route until it begins to topple. Stuck in the middle of the street with a busted float, Delphine Denise spots Xavier, Anna Louise, and Theodore having fun and brainstorms a way to salvage the day. This book lacks appeal for readers who are not familiar with Mardi Gras. The illustrations do a fine job of incorporating the colors of Mardi Gras, but the scenes of the parade are sparse and uninteresting. The text notes that "crowds on both sides of the street are ready to catch colorful beads and shiny coins," but the few people in those spreads can hardly be considered a crowd--something child readers will certainly notice. Perhaps a choice for regional audiences but not a book for everyone. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)

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January 1, 2022

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.

January 1, 2022
Grades K-3 Delphine, a Black child with a diverse group of friends, is proud of her New Orleans background and Mardi Gras traditions. She and her pals love dressing in costumes for the Mardi Gras parade, as well as baking and eating their King bread together. But this year Delphine finds out that whoever makes the best float for the parade will win the Mardi Gras crown. Determined to win, she sets about building a float, breaking tradition and hurting her friends' feelings as she does so. After a disastrous showing in the parade, Delphine learns that bigger isn't always better, and she returns home to mend friendships. Cloud's vibrant illustrations incorporate lots of purples, greens, and golds in a nod to the Mardi Gras festival's customary colors. Kids will connect with Delphine's holiday excitement, even when it causes trouble, and learn from the mistakes she makes. Back matter includes a note from New Orleans native Mazique, an explanation of Mardi Gras, and a glossary.

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