Title: Anatole and the Cat

Author: Eve Titus

Pictures by: Paul Galdone

ISBN: 037583902X

Although, Anatole and the Cat is a sequel to Anatole, it can be read separately.

Authored by master storyteller Eve Titus and cleverly illustrated once again by Paul Galdone, the book is a delightful tale with an upbeat tone and French accent.

It would be difficult not to fall in love with the language that is peppered with French words and witty illustrations.

Anatole is the luckiest mouse in France, as he is the “First Vice-President-of-Cheese Tasting,” sampling the most delicious cheeses of "Msieur Duval's" cheese factory.  However, there is one hitch, during the night "Msieur Duval’s" cat infiltrates the cheese plant and terrifies Anatole and his friend Gaston.

Anatole is so terrified that he affixes an incorrect grading to an assortment of cheeses! On one he inscribes “Not so good, add frog's legs.”  While he tastes different brands of cheeses, he illustrates how in an absurd way to modify the quality of the cheese. Msieur Duval is instructed to add into “especially good cheeses” pickled strawberries or cucumber seeds. After reading these instructions, the workers are infuriated with these foolish labels but nevertheless Msieur Duval insists that Anatole's directions be adopted.

Meanwhile, Anatole devises a clever scheme to get rid of the cat.  Will “Mouse Magnifique” succeed? Will the cheese still be edible?

Paul Galdone's pictures are very simple, yet very appealing. He uses a basic palette of Blue, White and Red with black ink drawings. The pictures of the cat are hilarious and the mice are delectable.

This reissued endearing picture book, which was the recipient of the Caldecott Honor Book prize, is meant for a new generation to savour.

Anatole will amuse children and parents as well. Maybe they will also fall in love with cheese, provided they are not lactose intolerant!

The above review was contributed by:  Lily Azerad-Goldman: CLICK TO VIEW Lily Azerad-Goldman's Reviews