C Is for Carnival is a joyful rumpus in the form of an alphabet book. From B is for bacchanal to C is for costumes to S is for soca, each letter of the alphabet gets its own mini poem – whether in rhyme or free verse – to celebrate the traditions of Carnival. Many of the letters focus on the fun and pageantry of Carnival, but others are more thoughtful, such as emancipation and love.

The lush illustrations encapsulate the vibrancy that surrounds Carnival. Every page has a new cast of revellers, fully representing the diverse array of people that attend the annual celebration. The saturated colours make for beautiful spreads, and pale ink splatters mimic confetti, creating a sense of music in the air. The illustrations exude the wonder that is Carnival and will certainly entice readers to experience the celebration for themselves.

The book concludes with a helpful glossary to define those terms that might be new to readers, as well as a recipe for roti that kids can help make at home.

Some alphabet books weave a narrative from one letter to the next, telling a bigger story. C Is for Carnival doesn’t try to connect its vignettes, opting to skip its gaze around the party and soak it all in. Kids more drawn to story may find this style less compelling than a plot-forward one, but it does leave the focus on the alphabet itself. C Is for Carnival perfectly captures the feeling of dancing through a boisterous festival at the height of summer.