The Boy Who Wanted to Cook

Gr 3—4—Pierre's parents own a small restaurant in the south of France. Although the boy longs to be a chef, his father says he is too young to cook. While he is out riding his bike, a stranger stops him and asks directions to his family's restaurant. Pierre notices that the man has an "inspection form" with him and that he is going to rate the restaurant, but he simply tells his parents that a new guest is coming to dine. As they prepare for the visitor, Pierre must go to the village for special ingredients. He spots some fresh wild mushrooms in the field and gathers them. Although his father's recipe for boeuf à la mode does not include morilles, Pierre slips them into the pot when his parents aren't looking. The reviewer loves the dish and awards the restaurant a star. The illustrations are beautiful and have a charming, folksy flair. In France, chefs are held in high regard and meal preparation is done painstakingly, with the finest ingredients. This book is a reflection of those values and provides a glimpse into rural life. French words are sprinkled throughout, many of them defined within the text, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are appended. This book does many things well; however, the slight story may not hold much interest for American children.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME