Happy Carnival!

Today marks the celebration of Carnival, and the final day of Mardi Gras! Carnival is observed in over 50 countries in a variety of ways that often include elaborate costumes, festive parades, and cultural performances. Traditionally a Catholic holiday, Carnival and Mardi Gras often include decadence in all aspects because they are the day before Lent, when people vow to give up one of their vices. Colornialism and religious conversion spread the holiday through the Caribbean and into Central and South America, incorporating different aspects of their cultures and indigenous traditions into the celebration of Carnival. 

Carnival Queen by Donette Williams-Harry

This vibrant and festive picture book captures the essence of one family's Carnival celebration. It's little Kayla's most favorite day of the year, and she spends all day preparing with her family. She helps Granny prepare traditional Caribbean fry bakes, plantains, and chicken and her Mommy braids beads into her hair. Once Kayla is dressed in her beautiful dance costume and covered in glitter, Granny decides to show off some of her best dance moves! They're all having a great time until "RRRIP", Kayla's costume is ruined!

Granny and Mommy try fixing it with glue, tape, and by tying knots, but nothing will do. "I can't be a Carnival queen like this!", cries Kayla. But Granny reassures her, reminding her of the resilience of their ancestors during hard times. The family decides to head out into the festival, determined to ask Kayla's Mas band for help repairing the garment. The band leader tells her that they don't have enough time before the beginning of the performance, but Kayla climbs onstage and asks her community for support. Other mas band members and neighbors pop up with extra fabric, adornments, and even a sewing machine! After just a few minutes, Kayla's dress has been fully repaired, and is more colorful and elaborate than ever before. 

The dance performance begins and Kayla stands in the middle of the circle of dancers like a deer in the headlights. Although she is nervous at first, her Granny and Mommy encourage her from the sidelines and she puts on a wonderful show to the sound of soca music. "For the ancestors, Granny!", Kayla shouts at the end of her performance. The family spends the rest of the day immersed in the Carnival celebration, dancing and rejoicing. There are beautiful illustrations of all of the different Carnival styles and flairs. In the back matter, author Williams-Harry provides information on many different Carnival festivals that occur across the globe, explaining how this story was inspired by the Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place in London each year. Illustrator Amélie-Anne Calmo brings the story to life with gorgeous imagery, full of movement and brilliance. 

As someone who is not super familiar with this holiday, I really enjoyed how Donette Williams-Harry captured the joyful spirit of Carnival. The book is full of fun onomatopeia words, great for little ones who are learning about letters and sounds. Little Kayla embodies the strength of her ancestry through her journey to repair her beautiful dance costume. I love how she was unafraid to reach out to her community and ask for support! This is a fabulous read for all children, and especially those who may not be aware of Carnival. Wishing everyone a Happy Carnival, Mardi Gras, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year!