When Carnival rolls around in New Orleans, its time for everyone to celebrate--including the beadsHanging from his hook on a parade float, a little purple bead hopes to be caught by someone special. He spots a little girl in the crowd who would be perfect for him, but will he be thrown in time for her to catch him? The bigger and more decorated beads tell him that hes much too plain to ever get picked, but if theres one thing this bead knows best, its that a little hope and determination can go a long wayWith delightful illustrations and a story sure to charm the entire family, The Little Purple Mardi Gras Bead delivers all the magic and heart that make Mardi Gras an experience like no other. Raised in New Orleans among the Mardi Gras madness, Julie P. Rowley specializes in early childhood education. She holds a masters of education in early childhood curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. Her stories were inspired by her daughters imagination--a trait that definitely runs in the family as her father illustrated this tale A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, John R. Paquette is a retired editor. He is also a professional vocalist and a talented portrait artist and illustrator.