A Toss Up

MON 2/23

When picturing Mardi Gras celebrations for kids, perhaps you envision youngsters in platinum wigs, pink feather boas, fishnet stockings and black bandit masks. They drink Capri Sun by the keg and trip over themselves with excitement, so giddy are they from the sugar. This, however, is not what will happen at the West Wyandotte Library (1737 North 82nd Street in Kansas City, Kansas, 913-596-5800) during Monday’s 7 p.m. Mardi Gras Madness party. Though children are invited to show up in costume, preparing a disguise isn’t necessary; a face-painter will be on hand, and mask-making materials are provided. Carnival games and Cajun music accompany stories and crafts. Of course, there can be no Mardi Gras without beads, so library staffers should have plenty of those. And kids who win the coin toss? They can take home a book. In other words, six-year-olds leave this Mardi Gras celebration more literate and coherent than adults will leave theirs the next day.— Gina Kaufmann

Under the Sea

WED 2/25

The Cedar Roe Library (5120 Cedar in Roeland Park, 913-384-8590) sets sail for an underwater voyage this Wednesday. Starting at 10 a.m. and again at 6 p.m., children over the age of two (and their parents, if the kid’s under seven) embark on a two-hour cruise, exploring the world of Nemo with art projects and water play.— Michael Vennard

Join the Circle

MON 2/23

Lawrence youth have the opportunity to fine-tune their slamming in a poetry circle sponsored by the Langston Hughes Poetry Project at 4 p.m. Monday in the Van Go Arts studio (715 New Jersey Street). Poet Jessica Care Moore sparks the creative embers. For details, call 785-842-3797.— Steve Walker