First sentence: In all France there was no happier, more contented mouse than Anatole. He lived in a small mouse village near Paris with his dear wife Doucette and their six charming children--Paul and Paulette, Claude and Claudette, George and Georgette.

Premise/plot: Anatole is flustered, to say the least, when he learns that humans think of mice as vermin. He decides to 'redeem' the way things are--mice sneaking human food. He goes to a cheese factory prepared. He brings typed notes (flags, I believe). Extra-'Specially Good, 'Specially Good, Good, Not So Good, No Good. He will stick these flags/notes into each cheese he samples. He'll also write additional notes sharing his opinions. M. Duvall is surprised but ultimately pleased. He listens to Anatole's advice and his sales increase. Anatole has a gift for what makes a great cheese great. M. Duvall invites Anatole to continue visiting the factory and helping out. He even leaves extra snacks and treats. (Of course, he doesn't know Anatole is a mouse exactly). Anatole is therefore honorably able to provide for his family. It's a win-win situation...

My thoughts: I LOVED this one. I loved it so much!!! It is one of those that is practically perfect in every way. I loved the text, the story. I loved the illustrations. What a fun world Eve Titus created!

I really loved the five categories Anatole uses. I might even use those categories instead of stars. Maybe. ( )

I'm no fan of mice in real life, but it was impossible not to be charmed by Anatole and his antics. French mice are clearly a cut above, as when Anatole overhears humans complaining about the theft of thier food by the mice he decides to go and get himself a respectable job. Of course, what better place for a mouse to find employment than at a cheese factory, where his keen sense of taste can be put to good use! I'm a bit shocked that the cheesemakers don't have the same complaints as the other human characters in this book, since Anatole is still putting his little mousey paws all over food meant to be consumed by humans, but clearly Anatole has figured out how to disguise his little nibbles. The cheese makers remain blissfully unaware of Anatole's true nature, Anatole gains respectable employment, and the people of France get an even higher quality of cheese - wins all around! ( )

Anatole / by Eve Titus; illustrated by Paul Galdone -- New York : Alfred A. Knopf, c1956, 1984. (32 pages) [50th Anniversary Edition] RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS

SUMMARY: Considered a classic in Children's Literature, Anatole first appeared in 1956. The story is about a mouse of action, a mouse of honor, a French mouse magnifique who decides to earn his food for his family by supplying advice to the Duval Cheese Factory on the quality of their cheeses after hours when everyone else has left for the day. The owner of the failing cheese factory takes his advice and soon becomes "the cheese factory" in Paris.

REVIEW: I remember this story from my childhood. Anatole was one of those that I read every so often. The character was lovable while the illustrations charming (Paul Galdone being one of my favorite children's illustrators).

FORMAT: The illustrations are by Paul Galdone, one of my top five favorite children's illustrators. The pictures are still in their limited color schemes with a double-spread of black and white illustrations and then a double-spread of red, white, blue, and black.

FAVORITE PARTS: The first sentence is memorable -- "In all France there was no happier, more contented mouse than Anatole." -- I also like his family -- wife Doucette and six children Paul and Paulette, Claude and Claudette, and Georges and Georgette. But my absolute favorite is Anatole in the cheese tasting room -- because I like cheese just as much as Anatole does.

NOTE: There are other stories available from the duo Eve Titus and Paul Galdone including ANATOLE AND THE CAT (#2), ANATOLE AND THE ROBOT (#3), ANATOLE OVER ITALY (#5), ANATOLE AND THE POODLE (#6), ANATOLE AND THE PIANO (#7), ANATOLE AND THE THIRTY THIEVES (#8), ANATOLE AND THE TOYSHOP (#9), and ANATOLE AND THE PIPED PIPER (#10), so enjoy them all.

NOTE: Older readers may enjoy the Basil of Baker Street Series by the same author and illustrator. The character is based off of Sherlock Holmes.

FURTHER FUN: 1) The story includes a few simple French phrases that can be read, discussed, and practiced. 2) Use the story with a cheese tasting program and let the children make little signs to say if they liked the cheese or not. 3) Have a discussion about jobs and what they may be able to do now to help someone out. ( )

Anatole, is a charming book with incredible illustrations. The way Galdone captured perfectly the little French town is magical. The illustrations are representative of what we are reading on the page and explain the humor to readers of all ages. A lot of the drawings are in black and white although the French flag colors are present as well. The rooftops and some clothes are red and stand out. Galdone include French nuances throughout the illustrations and I love how the mice are dressed and living the way we image life in France.
I could see using this book for a critical thinking discussion on prejudices or beliefs that some may have about others. We could break down what that looks like, and ways we could help. ( )

Anatole is a mouse who goes into the human world at night to find food for his family. One night he overhears what humans think about mice and decides he will help instead of being a freeloader. He goes to the cheese factory and rates their cheeses, leaving notes on how to improve them. The cheese factory increases its sales. Anatole remains anonymous.

I enjoyed this story. It is fun. I like Anatole's solution and his comments on the cheese. I think the Disney movie, Ratatouille, is somewhat based on this book. The kids will enjoy it ( )