Welcome to another Perfect Picture Book Friday, inspired by children's picture book author, Susanna Hill. Each Friday, we review a children's book of our choice and include links to crafts and other activities. Check out her comprehensive list of books categorized by subject for Teachers, Librarians and Parents here.
Today's review is perfect for an after Thanksgiving book, while we are still on the topic of food!
Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat
Author: Susanna Reich
Illustrator: Amy Bates
Publisher: Abrams Books
Date: 2012
Ages: 8 to Adult!
Themes: Cats, Cooking, French language and culture, Julia Child, Paris
First sentence: Minette Mimosa McWilliams Child was a very lucky cat,
perhaps the luckiest cat in all of Paris.
Inside Jacket: Minette is the luckiest cat in Paris. Day and night she smells mayonnaise, hollandaise, cassoulets, cheese soufflés and duck pâtés wafting from the pots and pans of her owner, Julia Child. But while Julia is in the kitchen learning to cook up delicious dishes, the only feast the mischievous Minette is interested in is that of fresh mouse!
Minette's Feast captures Julia Child's transformation into America's most iconic chef through the tale of her beloved Parisian cat. In some of Julia Child's own words, and complete with an author's note, glossary, and more, Minette's lively story is as large and rich as her appetite.
Why I like this book: It includes four of my favorite things: cats, Julia Child, cooking and Paris! The charming watercolors, and whimsical way the cat is woven into the story makes this a winner in my book.
Here are some related links:
French Cooking for Kids
http://www.easy-french-food.com/easy-recipes-for-kids.html#.UK0ciaUe9LY
http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/cooking-French-lesson.html
Paris for Kids
http://mylittlenomads.com/family-travel-paris
French for Kids
http://www.digitaldialects.com/French.htm
Oo, I wonder how I have missed this book. Thank you so much, Jarm, it sounds quite charming!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very charming book, Joanna...I was drawn to it!
DeleteThanks! I love books about cats, and so do my grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteThen they would certainly love this one, Pam!
DeleteI'm a Julia fan - thanks for this pick!
ReplyDeleteHave you read the book, "My Life in France"? It's an easy read, and chock full with tales of Julia's life in Paris and her cooking adventures! You'd love it, Julie!
DeleteWhat a fascinating sounding book! I know I'd love it. Your activities look great, too. Thanks, Jarm!
ReplyDeleteYou are most certainly welcome, Beth...this book was a happy discovery!
DeleteWhat a endearing combination of cooking, Paris, cats and Julia Child in one little book! I can see why it has you so enamoured! Great pick, Jarm! The way you've described the book to be, I can get the kitchen aroma and all the warmth wafting in from the pages:)
ReplyDeleteYes, reading it does make one's mouth water...thanks for stopping by, Richa!
DeleteOh, this is such a wonderful book -- I share the four things you like about this book. What a brilliant story with some humor. Must find this one!
ReplyDeleteYes, Pat...."Paris is always a good idea!"
DeleteI appreciate that you whet my appetites for this delicious treat - yay! Merci Beaucoup (I think....).
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Oui...you said it well, Barbara! I know you will enjoy this one.
DeleteHa! This sounds wonderfully appetizing! I must read it!
ReplyDeleteYes, Penny...I know you will enjoy it! Bon Appetit!
DeleteJarm...what a unique book...I used to love to watch Julia Child...and I've always been inspired by her strength and courage...no one wanted to publish her cookbook...but she was determined! And a book about her cat? Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this and for the resource/activity ideas as well. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Vivian...sounds like you have read, "My life in France." I'm obviously a fan of hers, too! Enjoy!
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