Anatole

A mouse secretly transforms a cheese factory's fortunes with his tasting notes. Can they find their mysterious benefactor?

5.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,649 ratings

32 pages· 1,196 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud· AD680L

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Bookroo's summary

Anatole, a mouse with a keen sense of taste, discovers humans' disdain for mice nibbling their food. Determined to support his family honorably, he leaves insightful notes at the Duvall Cheese Factory, revolutionizing their products. As the factory's cheese becomes the best in Paris, the workers are eager to reward their anonymous critic. But can they uncover the identity of their elusive helper?

From the publisher

Anatole is a most honorable mouse. When he realizes that humans are upset by mice sampling their leftovers, he is shocked! He must provide for his beloved family–but he is determined to find a way to earn his supper. And so he heads for the tasting room at the Duvall Cheese Factory. On each cheese, he leaves a small note–“good,” “not so good,” “needs orange peel”–and signs his name. When workers at the Duvall factory find his notes in the morning, they are perplexed–but they realize that this mysterious Anatole has an exceptional palate and take his advice. Soon Duvall is making the best cheese in all of Paris! They would like to give Anatole a reward–if only they could find him…

Awards

Caldecott Honor (1957)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 1,196
Reading age: 4–7
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD680L

Themes & topics

Books about mice Books about cheese Books about being a contributor Books about taste Books about growth mindset

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.8

“An oldie but a goodie! I love that Anatole has a growth mindset, and rather than accepting the status quo, he seeks to improve himself and be a contributor by sharing his talents in a productive way (while still providing for his family!)”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

The author