Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

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.