When Tiana discovers Naveen's parents, the King and Queen of Maldonia, will be coming for Mardi Gras, she decides to make a special king cake fit for the royal parents, and even though the cake does not turn out perfectly, she realizes the true secret ingredient that made it magical.

Marie-Grace Gardner, a doctor's daughter who has just returned to her native New Orleans in 1853, makes friends with Cécile Rey, whose prosperous family are free people of color, and is persuaded to change places with her at separate Mardi Gras balls.

Lala, Babyboy, and their parents struggle to cope with the loss of their home to Hurricane Katrina, but find joy again in the celebration of Mardi Gras. Includes facts about Hurricane Katrina and glossary.