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Allons, Enfants! A French Mouse Slips Into a Cheese Factory in ‘Anatole’
A classic picture book set in Paris has year-round charms
Americans didn’t storm bookstores, the way a French mob took to the Bastille, when Anatole arrived on shelves. But the hero of this classic has deservedly become one of the most popular mice in picture books — no small accomplishment for a character competing with Mickey.
Anatole is a dignified, beret-wearing French mouse who enjoys sneaking into houses and nibbling on leftovers. Then Parisians offend his pride by complaining about the scavenging. He has to feed his family — his wife, Doucette, and six children — but he has a conscience and self-respect.
So he’s mortified to hear Parisians complaining about mice: “ ‘But I never dreamed they regarded us this way,’ cried the unhappy Anatole. ‘It is horrible to feel scorned and unwanted! Where is my self-respect? My pride? MY HONOR?’ ”
“If only we could give people something in return — ” Doucette says.
Inspired by his wife’s words, Anatole begins slipping into the Duval Cheese Factory by moonlight. He tastes the products and pins onto the cheeses notes that suggest ways to improve them. “Less black pepper … more grated onion … another pinch of salt.”
