Becky B's Reviews > Anatole

Anatole is a conscientious Parisian who is horrified when he hears how disgusted humans are by the way mice get their food. Anatole wants to do something nice in return for his food gathering, and he has just the idea. He takes little signs with him to a cheese factory, labels the samples with "Very Good", "Not So Good", etc. and writes little hints of how to make each cheese better. The cheese factory isn't doing so well, so the owner decides it couldn't hurt to try the suggestions of his mystery advisor. It turns out Anatole's suggestions are perfect, and cheese sales soar. The owner asks Anatole to show his face, but the humble mouse simply thanks him and remains anonymous, continuing to help the cheese factory in return for the food they leave out for him each night.

I don't know how this award winner has evaded my notice for so long. Maybe my mother read it to me when I was little, but I sure don't remember it. I love Anatole's heart to do something kind in return for his food and his creative thinking to make that come about. He is cute, noble, and even though he is past his 50th birthday he still should charm the little ones.