In this blog post today I’m sharing my favorite 15 Mardi Gras picture books for kids. We love rotating books through our classroom book library all year long. This gives additional learning opportunities about holidays, events, seasons and themes for our students.
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a festive celebration of music, parades, and rich cultural traditions rooted in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana. For children, it can be a magical time filled with beads, costumes, and king cakes.
Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce our students to Mardi Gras, teaching them about its traditions, history, and vibrant atmosphere. I have put together my top 15 picture books for Mardi Gras below. I hope they help!
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1. “Mimi’s First Mardi Gras” by Alice Couvillon and Elizabeth Moore
Mimi’s first Mardi Gras parade is filled with wonder and excitement. This beautifully illustrated book captures the vibrant energy of the holiday and introduces young readers to the festivities through Mimi’s eyes.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
2. “Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras” by James Rice
In another adventure, Gaston the alligator gets into more Mardi Gras mischief. Kids will love the lively illustrations and humorous story.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
3. “The Runaway Beignet” by Connie Collins Morgan
This story puts a Mardi Gras twist on the classic “Gingerbread Man” tale. A mischievous beignet comes to life and explores the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, making it a fun and unique read.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
4. “Jenny Giraffe’s Mardi Gras Ride” by Cecilia Casrill Dartez
Jenny the giraffe experiences the thrill of riding on a Mardi Gras float. This engaging story introduces kids to the customs of the parade and is packed with colorful illustrations.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
5. “Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud” by Johnette Downing
A Louisiana folktale that’s perfect for Mardi Gras season, this book explains why crawfish live in the mud, blending storytelling with cultural elements of Louisiana.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
6. “The Night Before Mardi Gras” by Gail Perkins Nettles
Inspired by “The Night Before Christmas,” this playful book builds excitement for Mardi Gras by describing all the preparations and anticipation leading up to the big day.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
7. “The Little Float That Could” by Eileen M. Laird
A heartwarming tale about a small float that dreams of being part of the grand Mardi Gras parade. It’s an inspiring story of perseverance and dreams.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
8. “Clovis Crawfish and the Big Bet” by Mary Alice Fontenot
Join Clovis Crawfish and his friends as they celebrate Mardi Gras in this charming Cajun tale. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to Louisiana’s culture.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
9. “Trombone Shorty” by Troy Andrews
This true story about a young musician from New Orleans introduces kids to the importance of music in Mardi Gras celebrations. Vibrant illustrations bring Trombone Shorty’s journey to life.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
10. “The Bourbon Street Band Is Back” by Ed Shankman
This rhythmic story follows a jazz band as they reunite for a Mardi Gras performance. It’s a great way to introduce children to New Orleans’ music scene.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
11. “The Twelve Days of Mardi Gras” by Melissa Maloney Wallace
A fun Mardi Gras twist on the classic “Twelve Days of Christmas,” this book counts down the days leading up to Fat Tuesday with vibrant imagery.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
12. “Phoebe Cakes the Bulldog: A Mardi Gras Tail” by Amanda Caverzasi
This delightful book features Phoebe Cakes, an adorable bulldog, as she takes part in Mardi Gras festivities. The vibrant illustrations and engaging story showcase the excitement of the holiday through a dog’s perspective.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
13. “Alligator Jazz” by Samuel Pittman II
This rhythmic book introduces kids to jazz music and its role in Mardi Gras celebrations. The colorful illustrations are sure to capture their attention.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
14. “The Little Purple Mardi Gras Bead” by Johnette Downing
This charming story follows the journey of a small purple bead during a Mardi Gras parade. The book highlights themes of belonging and adventure as the bead discovers its special role in the celebrations. With vivid illustrations and a heartwarming message, it’s a perfect addition to any Mardi Gras collection.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
15. Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize” by Brittany Mazique
This delightful book follows Delphine Denise, a spirited young girl who enters a Mardi Gras parade competition. Packed with colorful illustrations and a strong message about creativity and determination, it’s a vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras traditions and the joy of participating in parades.
Get it on Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
Why Mardi Gras Picture Books Matter
Mardi Gras picture books are more than just stories; they’re windows into the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana and its vibrant celebrations. These books will help your students to learn about the traditions, music, and food associated with Mardi Gras.
Many of these stories will also offer valuable lessons about kindness, perseverance, and community. This makes them perfect for your classroom, library story times, or even cozy reading moments at home.
How to Incorporate Mardi Gras Books into Lessons or Celebrations
- Storytime and Crafts: Pair these books with fun Mardi Gras crafts, such as making masks or creating bead necklaces, to bring the stories to life.
- Music and Movement: Introduce children to jazz music and let them march in their own mini-parade after reading books about Mardi Gras music.
- Cooking Activities: Share books like “The Runaway Beignet” and then bake or decorate king cakes with the kids.
- Discussion and Learning: Use books like “A Mardi Gras Dictionary” to teach children about the history and vocabulary of Mardi Gras.
Let the Good Times Roll!
Whether you’re introducing kids to Mardi Gras for the first time or deepening their understanding of the holiday, these 15 picture books are the perfect resource. They’re colorful, engaging, and packed with cultural richness that will spark curiosity and joy in young readers. So grab a few of these titles, plan some festive activities, and let the Mardi Gras celebrations begin!
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Nikki
P.S. Have you signed up for a 3 day free trial of my VIP membership yet? If not, click here to do it now and go and get access to a huge range of resources, templates, crafts and more for free.
Nikki
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