Haydel's Announces Release of The Amazing Adventure of Mardi Gras Bead Dog®

Haydel's Announces Release of The Amazing Adventure of Mardi Gras Bead Dog®

Haydel's Bakery is excited to announce that local children's author, Cornell P. Landry and illustrator Sean Gautreaux have created a new book, The Amazing Adventure of Mardi Gras Bead Dog® based on Haydel's own Mardi Gras Bead Dog®. The book, the eighth for Landry, is available now.

Like all of his previous children's books, The Amazing Adventure of Mardi Gras Bead Dog® is steeped in New Orleans tradition. "I have been a fan of the Mardi Gras Bead Dog® ever since I saw the very first one in front of Haydel's Bakery. Every time I'd see a new one pop up in the city, I would find myself smiling at each one. So, when Haydel's approached me to create a story for the Mardi Gras Bead Dog®, I was ecstatic. This is the most excited I have been for a book release since Goodnight NOLA. I hope that New Orleanians will love it as much as I do," said Landry.

The Amazing Adventure of Mardi Gras Bead Dog® retails for $17.95 and will be available at several local retailers, including Haydel's Bakery. Haydel's will host a book signing with the author on Saturday, December 8th from 11am to 12pm in celebration of the book's release. Cook Me Somethin' Mister will serve complimentary jambalaya while supplies last.

History of the Mardi Gras Bead Dog®

Up until the 1960's, New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewes threw glass beads. In the mid 1960's plastic beads replaced glass beads as the throw of choice. Often when beads were thrown from floats they became tangled and broken. Children enjoyed sorting through the tangled beads. Soon they discovered when the beads were twisted in various directions they could create different animals.

The most popular and easiest to make, was the Bead Dog. Cub Scout and Brownie Troops, school clubs and various groups of children made the little Bead Dogs and sold them for fundraising activities. Haydel's decided that this historical little dog would be a wonderful way to give back to the community by raising funds for local charities. Coinciding with Haydel's 50th Anniversary, the Haydel's Mardi Gras Bead Dog® was born. In 2008, local New Orleans artist, Philip Weddle, was commissioned to create his rendering of the old time Mardi Gras Bead Dog®.

The Mardi Gras Bead Dog® is one of the featured ways that Haydel's Bakery gives back to the community. We hope you enjoy this revived piece of New Orleans tradition. Laissez les bon temps rouler!