The beautiful series of Anatole books have been favorites in our family for years. The books tell the story of a mouse family living in the streets of Paris. Anatole and his wife Doucette have six children. He and his best friend Gaston work at the finest cheese factory in France. The books are so well written and illustrated; each celebrates family, adventure, culture, and caring for your community.
This excerpt is from Anatole and the Cat (1957), written by Eve Titus and illustrated by Paul Galdone.
Most libraries should have copies of these classics. If you haven't yet stepped into the world of Anatole, please seek them out. And if your children are particularly enamored with a certain rodent chef, now may be the perfect time!
Long, long ago many mice had met to decide what to do about a cat. Someone had the idea of putting a bell around its neck. This would warn them of its coming, and all were pleased until a wise old mouse said, "But who will bell the cat?"
Not one mouse had dared to do it, then or ever!
There must be a way, thought Anatole, pacing up and down.
For hours and hours his brain was busy with ideas, but they all seemed too dangerous until he suddenly remembered a big empty crate in the storeroom of the factory.
And Anatole smiled, for now he had the perfect plan.
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