Former art teacher publishes children’s Mardi Gras book

Do you ever wonder how Tuesday got so fat? Many of Jo Ann Brown’s Edgewood Elementary students have, and asked her that question over the years. So, as a retired art teacher, she put her skills to good use and wrote and illustrated Fat Tuesday: A book about Mardi Gras.

“Fat Tuesday is a character in this educational activity book for children of all ages,” Brown said, “but most importantly I wanted to share the truth of what the day really means.”

As Brown states in her book, the real reason for all the excitement is because it is the last fling before the strict Lenten season begins, which is all about sacrifice and self-control. To create the story, Brown compiled her art lessons from over the years where the students studied fun facts about Mardi Gras. They learned how French settlers held the first American Mardi Gras in Mobile in 1703, how parties and parades were hosted by groups of people called krewes, and what the special Mardi Gras colors, purple, green and yellow symbolize. Along with making colorful Mardi Gras masks and fun jewelry, Brown also creativelyincorporated cooking lessons into her art projects.

“Not many people understand what the tradition is behind the King’s Cake or why there is a plastic baby baked inside, so I like to explain how it symbolizes the king’s search for the baby Jesus.”

Fat Tuesday comes complete with a fun and inexpensive mask activity that kids can make at home. Souvenirs are included with the book if it is purchased locally.

Brown hopes that fun and learning will take place in your home this Mardi Gras season through her words and illustrations, because as the last page of the book says, “Live it up while you can, because on Wednesday – the party’s over!”

Books may be purchased at Seasons to Celebrate in downtown Homewood or by emailing Brown at joannbrownart@gmail.com.