King Cake for Cassius

Book excerpt: Children will learn the meaning of Mardi Gras as told by Cassius, an adorable boxer, who loves Mardi Gras. The book begins with children discussing what they're going to "be" for Mardi Gras. Cassius overhears that one of the children is unaware of the Mardi Gras tradition. She then explains that carnival season begins with the epiphany (Jan. 6 when the three wise men found baby Jesus) and ends with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The dog also explains many of the traditions and terns associated with Mardi Gras including King Cake parties, parades, krewes and doubloons. She shares the name of her favorite parade which happens to be a dog parade named the Krewe of Barkus. The story concludes with Cassius stating that she's going to be a wizard for Mardi Gras this year and asking "what are you going to be for Mardi Gras?". The book also contains a list of activities that children can do to celebrate Mardi Gras including a recipe for King Cake, instructions on how to make a shoe box float and how to have a mini-parade.