Emma Block

As expected, the tone of this book is in the strain of Mary Poppins (though Miss Pettifour is not a nanny), but it succeeds in being a brand entirely its own. Deliciously quirky and full of unique pizaz, I can only say good things. The writing is superb, showing great attention to detail, the use of words that make your toes tingle, and weaving of tight and innocent tales that I wouldn't hesitate to give to any child. The illustrations are mesmerizing as well. This is becoming a staple of my show more library and I will be recommending it to others. show less

THE ADVENTURES OF MISS PETITFOUR is a very sweet set of linked short stories for readers eight and up. The physical book is a gorgeous object, charmingly illustrated and thoughtfully manufactured, including whimsical endpapers and a pretty pink ribbon bookmark. Though certainly not for everyone, it's an adorable package for readers who like gentle, happy narratives.

Miss Petitfour is an unusual woman who owns sixteen cats and whose adventures are just the right size. She travels by wind, show more accompanied by her cats, and encounters a beautiful, friendly world filled with happy, generous people who want to enjoy lovely lives much as Miss Petitfour does.

The language in these stories is evocative, at times poetic (no surprise, given the author), and nicely fuses the diction teaching we see in books like the Lemony Snicket series with the fantastic aura of fairytales. There were moments I found a bit twee, but the overall presentation was relentlessly likable. We need more sweet, pretty books!

I was charmed by this little book, and "charm" seems to be a consistent descriptor among its readers and reviewers. This is a great pick for sensitive, dreamy readers and readerly dreamers. show less

Michaels has not toned down her writing to a childish level but has used grownup words, something many children appreciate. And, if perchance the word or phrase is a new one, the meaning becomes clear in the story. Playful text spurs the imagination: "The cats liked to be aired. They liked to feel the wind pick up every one of their hairs and set them down again, gently, as if the wind were looking for something." Michaels writing style is not only beautifully lyrical, but is different and show more in my experience, children are attracted to books that are out of the ordinary. With beautiful illustrations by Emma Block this book is simply charming, enchanting, eccentric - as that lover of words (and cakes), Miss Petitfour might say. Without hesitation, this book gets five well-deserved stars!

Anne Michaels is the award-winning author of Fugitive Pieces and The Winter Vault. This is her first book for children. show less

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour
By: Anne Michaels
illustrations by: Emma Block

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is as delightful as a plate of petit fours - delicious, looks simple but must be crafted by a master, and thoroughly enjoyable.

The author of this book is Anne Michaels. She is the poet laureate of Canada and I’m not even exaggerating when I tell you that she is amazing. I have a little jolt of celebrity love for her. Ms. Michael’s approach show more seems to be to weave layers in her work. Now, this book is not an adult book of poetry but I can see her style. Changing the genre does not mask the artist. The words march across the page, irreverent of narrative flow, unafraid of run-on sentences, and indulging in glorious word play. Really, this book was designed to be read aloud.

The book is also a very clever way to introduce kids to writing techniques. Each chapter highlights words (giving their meanings) and also provides very simple explanations of narrative conventions.

The illustrator (Emma Block) adds another layer to the book. Her pictures look like they are water colors with rich golds, blues, pinks, and greens. I love that she uses lots of texture in each illustration that invites the reader into Miss Pettifour’s whimsical world. This helps create a connection with the reader because it feels like we could actually touch and feel each page.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

P.S. it is also full of lots of yummy sounding food and cats wearing outfits. What more could you want? show less