Mardi Gras!

This miniature book of Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras
to hang on your tree tells the story of how Gaston the green-nosed
alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on
a tour of Mardi Gras. The things he sees on his journey are the real
events that take place during Carnival! In Cajun country, Gaston joins a
Courir du Mardi Gras group, enjoys spicy gumbo, and dances in a fais
do-do until dawn.
Gaston�s voyage then leads him to New Orleans for even more new
sights. On his way, he spies a secret krewe building beautiful floats.
Gaston gets to ride along with the Krewe of Zulu as they deliver painted
coconuts to the crowds who are yelling, Throw me something,
Mister! The magnificent parade of Rex, King of Carnival, delights
Gaston. The festivities continue late into the night as krewe members
dance the night away at magical balls. Come join Gaston in his Mardi Gras
discovery!

In the first book of its kind focusing on the expansive African American Mardi Gras experience in New Orleans, float designer and native New Orleanian Rene Pierre documents and explores the richness of his community’s contributions. With two generations of family photographs and a firsthand knowledge of the African American krewes, Pierre brings to light this oft-neglected aspect of the Carnival tradition. The artistry and history of the floats and costumes of these krewes stand as testament to an undercelebrated group of New Orleanians who have consistently enriched their city and its traditions. As a participant and member of the community, Pierre charts the growth and influence of the oldest black Carnival clubs in New Orleans including the Original Illinois Club, the Exclusive Twenties, the Black Pirates, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Through one-on-one interviews with krewe elders, Carnival royalty, and artisans, along with family narratives from Pierre’s childhood, Carnival Noir tells a very personal story of the black Carnival experience.

The little giraffe escapes the zoo and finds herself in the French Quarter, where she makes new friends who agree to help her. In the second story, Jenny Giraffe rides a float in the super Krewe of Orpheus parade. Young children will greatly enjoy these recordings.