CRÊPES BY SUZETTE

The title and cover set the stage, mood, and ambiance in this tour and homage to Paris, crêpes, and paintings. Young Suzette sells a variety of crêpes from her street cart in Paris to the postman, street musicians, an artist, school children, a lady shopping, a dancer on the way to the theatre, carousel customers, and even honeymooners. The mixed-media collages place colored pencil drawings of Suzette, her cart, and her customers (who evoke famous paintings) against photomontage backgrounds. The device stirs up a Parisian cultural confection with French words, recipe, and glossary. Two ingredients are missing—the origin of crêpes Suzette (famed Chef Louis Charpentier) and a recommendation to use a non-stick pan. C’est bon for classroom use; comme ci, comme ca for art appreciation. (notes on the scenes and referenced paintings) (Picture book. 4-7)