Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

I’m Delphine Denise Debreaux, and I have a few favorite things:

New Orleans, because that’s where I live.

Purple, green, and gold, because it’s impossible to choose just one color.

And Mardi Gras, because it’s the BIGGEST celebration of the year!

My friends and I always march together in the Mardi Gras parade. Getting ready is part of the fun.

We make masks with fancy feathers. And colorful costumes with beads and boas.

We decorate our bikes with streamers and balloons.

And bake a delicious king cake topped with sprinkles, to eat after the parade.

But this year the Mardi Gras parade will be BIGGER than ever. There’s a BIG, SHINY grand prize for the best float!

If that crown were mine, I’d wear it…

When riding through town on the streetcar.

While gobbling beignets in the French Quarter.

And while visiting Jackson Square, so all the artists could paint my picture.

But there’s one major problem.

Theodore frowns. “We don’t know how to build a float.”

Anna Louise shakes her head. “Every year we just ride our bikes.”

“And we always have fun!” adds Xavier.

I really want to win that crown. “We can do it!” I say.