Anesthesiologist turned author Keith Polk has written his first children’s book, “The Mardi Grasfish,” just in time for the good times to roll.
Polk, who resides in Pasadena, California, was born and raised in Bogalusa, Louisiana, 70 miles north of New Orleans. Having celebrated the festival since he was young, he considers himself an expert on all things Mardi Gras.
He said he believes his book can be just as valuable for college students as it is for children.
“The bottom line is that Crawfrere’s story is intended to inspire you no matter your age,” Polk said. “The key word is ‘compassion.’”
“The Mardi Grasfish” chronicles the journey of a very brave crawfish named Crawfrere, who writes to the mayor of New Orleans, Billy the Big Mouth Bass, to convince him that his bayou friends, who are all physically or emotionally challenged, should win a local contest to ride the main float in the Mardi Gras parade.
The mayor, moved by Crawfrere’s letter, asks him and his friends to join the “Krewe of Compassion,” which builds and rides the main float.
Crawfrere’s friends, nearsighted Oculo the Oyster, slow-talking Creole the Catfish, puny Saute the Shrimp and Pecan the Pelican, who can’t fly straight, are finally able to feel proud of who they are. Mayor Billy, impressed by Crawfrere’s selflessness, declares that he will forever be known as “The Mardi Grasfish.”
“The Mardi Grasfish” was primarily inspired by the children Polk treated during his 35 year career as a physician. He said he feels immense compassion to this day for all of the young patients he’s comforted throughout the years.
Just like Crawfrere’s pals, he has always assured his patients that they are special and should be proud of who they are.
“I’ve treated thousands of kids with disabilities in my career,” Polk said. “I like to remind them how special and important they really are.”
“The Mardi Grasfish” is the first book in a trilogy that will explore the different ways Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world. The next two books will see Crawfrere travel to Brazil and France, where Mardi Gras originated.
The book was illustrated by Polk’s godson, Eric Miranda. Miranda said he aimed to give the book a retro cartoon aesthetic with bright, fluorescent colors. Polk said all the children who have seen the book immediately fell in love with the illustrations.
“Have you ever seen old-school cartoons like Betty Boop? I tried to give the book a similar 1930s, old-school feel,” Miranda said.
“The Mardi Grasfish” is now available for sale. The second book in the trilogy, “The Mardi Grasfish Goes to Rio,” is currently being illustrated.
“To any LSU students thinking about becoming writers, I’ll tell you the same thing Crawfrere told to his bayou friends,” Polk said. “Reach for the stars, the sky’s the limit.”