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This story serves up a delightful recipe for a children’s book: take one adorable tale of Parisian mice who want to win the prize for the best cheese soup in France, add a full serving of the whimsical illustrations of Marie Letourneau, mix in a dash of French language and a sprinkling of Parisian café culture, and voilà! We have The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères (Bistro of Seven Brothers).
With many basic French words cleverly woven into the story, readers will absorb the language without even realizing it. A pronunciation guide is included at the book’s beginning, and the famous cheese soup recipe is shared at the end!
Picture Book | Ages 4 – 7
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9749303-6-7 | 32 pages | $15.95
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-933718-18-7 | 32 pages | $7.95
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-933718-44-6 | $7.95
Lexile Level: 590 | Guided Reading Level: M | Grade Level: 2-3 | Reading Recovery Level: 20
Meet Illustrator Marie Letourneau
Marie Letourneau was born in Queens Village and raised in Babylon, NY. Growing up, she loved to draw, paint and engage in art activities of all kinds. She knew from an early age that she would like to one day write & illustrate picture books. Now, she is author and illustrator for kids!
Her book, The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Freres, won the 2006 Bronze ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award.
Marie currently works from her home studio on Long Island where she resides with her family, two dogs, and cat.
Other Books by Author/Illustrator Marie Letourneau
How to Change the World in 12 Easy Steps
Peggy Porter Tierney, Marie LetourneauArgyle Fox
Marie Letourneau, Marie LetourneauThe Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids
Ammi-Joan Paquette, Marie LetourneauIs A Worry Worrying You?
Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz, Marie LetourneauThe Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères Reviews
Books Worth Giving By Daniel Pinkwater, Wondertime Magazine“The illustrations are wonderful, the reader will pick up a few words of French, and there is a feminist-mouse (femousenist?) point made.”
50 Must Read Books for Kids, Atlanta Parent“With fanciful illustrations, an amusing gastronomical story and everyday French words and phrases effortlessly incorporated into a primarily English text, this is an engaging introduction to French culture and language. There’s even a pronunciation guide and, on the publisher’s website, a recipe for Chef Marcel’s delicious cheese soup. Ooh la la!”
Kirkus Reviews“Budding foodies will salivate, and the Gallic touches add a droll flavor.”
Washington Parent“With her lively text and expressive illustrations, Marie LeTourneau has created the recipe for a winning picture book, liberally spiced with French phrases and sprinkled with a helpful pronunciation guide.”