The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères by Marie Letourneau is a fun picture book about a restaurant in Paris run by seven brothers. However, it is the one sister who ends up saving the day! The Bistrot is a special place for mice and all the illustrations in it feature anthropomorphic mice.
“Anyone who is anyone eats there.” We are told right from the start.
Before the story begins, we get a simple glossary of some of the French words that appear. Then we meet the seven brothers and the sister. When the special French Culinary Judge Alfred Le Whisk arrives to test their soup, however, there is a problem. The brothers fall over themselves and make a mess, and the secret ingredient is missing from the pantry! Chef Marcel is in trouble. But without missing a beat, Petite Michelle, the sister, comes to the rescue and saves the day.
The illustrations are adorable, and the ridiculous brothers are hilarious. I loved how the sister (who is the youngest and is apparently often overlooked) is the one to rescue the soup. Now, of course, it is better than ever! The recipe for the soup can be found at the publisher’s site, and additional activities (and French flashcards) are available as well. The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères would be a nice addition to a French or Paris unit study!
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
This sounds (and looks) charming!
The recipe sounds good too, although I’m surprised to see Brie used. The only cheese soup I’ve ever had used cheddar. My British roots are showing, I guess.
Debbie, I can’t really speak as I don’t know much about the soup. It was a charming book, though.