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The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères book cover

The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères

Published September 1, 2008

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!

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Product details

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

Reviews

  • “The illustrations are wonderful, the reader will pick up a few words of French, and there is a feminist-mouse (femousenist?) point made.”

    — Books Worth Giving By Daniel Pinkwater, Wondertime Magazine
  • “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!”

    — 50 Must Read Books for Kids, Atlanta Parent
  • “Budding foodies will salivate, and the Gallic touches add a droll flavor.”

    — Kirkus Reviews
  • “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.”

    — Washington Parent

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About the creators

Marie Letourneau

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…

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