THE MICE OF BISTROT DES SEPT FRÈRES

A tale of culinary désastre narrowly averted. The imminent arrival of food judge Alfred Le Whisk to evaluate Chef Marcel’s renowned cheese soup sends the chef and his seven sons into a tizzy, for they’ve run out of the soup’s secret ingredient. Up steps the chef’s daughter, Petite Michelle, to save the Bistrot’s reputation; calmly adding a dash of salt, a hint of rosemary and six drops of sauce piquante aux poivrons (hot pepper sauce) to the pot, she proceeds to dish up a soup that’s not only better than ever, but earns a change in the eatery’s very name—to “Le Bistrot des Sept Frères et Une Soeur.” Le Tourneau populates her informally appointed setting with mice in human dress, giving each figure a distinctly individual look; a lover of ballet, Petite Michelle twirls about, setting tables—as everyone else panics—flashing a smile and an air of quiet confidence. Though the lack of a closing recipe makes this not so magnifique as it might be, budding foodies will salivate, and the Gallic touches add a drôle flavor. (pronunciation guide) (Picture book. 7-9)