Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. On this day, people go overboard with parties, rich food and drink before Lent. In Western Christianity, the next day, Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, which last 40 days before Easter. During Lent, people often give up types of unhealthy food, maybe that $4 a day CHocolate Frappacino, or commit to exercising more.

 

Here are some fun books for children about Mardi Gras.

 

Gator Gumbo: A Spicy-Hot Tale

by Candace Fleming

A new take on The Little Red Hen  Cajun style

 

Poor Monsieur Gator is getting old and is moving so slow he can't catch himself a taste of possum or otter, or even a whiff of skunk. Day after day those animals tease and taunt him until, finally, he decides to cook up some gumbo just like Maman used to make. But who will help him boil, catch, sprinkle, and chop? Certainly not rude Mademoiselle Possum, ornery Monsieur Otter, or sassy Madame Skunk. But when the gumbo is ready, they're more than eager to enjoy the result of Gator's hard work and as they run to get a taste - "Slurp! Slip! Plop! Them animals go into the pot." "Mmm-mmm," says Monsieur Gator. "Now, this is gumbo just like Maman used to make." Illustrated with wit and whimsy, this mischievous tale will have young readers laughing out loud.

 

 

Cajun Alphabet (Gaston Series)

by James Rice

 

Gaston the green-nosed alligator, the loveable hero of the famous Cajun Night Before Christmas, leads young readers through the alphabet, and in the process gives them a clever and practical lesson in Cajun French. Petite Rouge A Cajun Red Riding Hood by Mike Artell When her grand-mère comes down wit' de flu, this Cajun Little Red knows what she has to do. With her witty cat, TeJean, she sets off in a pirogue to bring Grand-mère some gumbo. Who should she meet upon the way, but that big ol' swamp gator, Claude! Mean ol' Claude may want to gobble up Petite Rouge, but she and TeJean have a better idea. Before long, they have Claude running back to the bayou where he belongs!

 

 

Three Little Cajun Pigs

by Mike Artell Trosclair

 

Thibodeaux, and Ulysse are three pigs with a whole lot to do. Their mom has just kicked them out of the house and it's time they make their own way and start constructing new homes in the heart of the swamp. When ol' Claude the gator comes sneaking along, however, the three brothers are forced to question their choice of construction materials! This hilarious tale from the creators of the popular Petite Rouge (which School Library Journal declared "A treat from start to finish") will once again take you to the heart of the Cajun swamps and show you the Three Little Pigs like you've never seen them.

 

 

Fiddles and Spoons: Journey of an Acadian Mouse

by Lila Hope-Simpson

 

Cecile Souris and her mouse family live under the floorboards of a little Acadian house in Grand Pré, owned by the Dubois family. The house—above and below the floor—is full of good food, laughter and wonderful music, made with fiddles and spoons. But one day soldiers arrive and take the Dubois family—and the Souris family with them—far away from Grand Pré. Join them on an unforgettable journey in this heartwarming tale of courage, love and joy as the Acadians continue to celebrate life with fiddles and spoons!

 

 

Cool Kids Cook: Louisiana

by Kid Chef Eliana

 

For kids who want to cook-Louisiana style! Kid Chef Eliana keeps the good times rolling in this kid-friendly cookbook of Louisiana cuisine. With nearly thirty exciting recipes from meat pies to boudin balls to Mardi Gras king cake, Eliana undertakes a culinary journey exploring unique gastronomic traditions from all regions of the state. With Eliana's help, your delicious dishes are sure to satisfy the taste buds of all ages!

 

(Publisher’s summaries from Amazon. Books available at local libraries or through online retailers.)