This is such a lovely story with artwork that complements it to perfection. It is also a wonderful way to expose children to a small piece of French culture. ( )

The Valcourts' own a little restaurant by the river in France. Their son, Peirre, really wants to help with the restaurant and be a chef. Peirre goes out on his bike, and is asked by a passing man about the location of the restaurant. This man gives stars to the best restaurants in the area. Pierre doesn't tell his parents that this man is not just a normal customer. When his parents start cooking something for the man, Pierre slips an ingredient he found into the mixture on the stove. It turns out that the guest liked the dish so much, that he gave the small restaurant a star.
This book has many multicultural aspects. It's set in France, there are many French terms in it, and there are some French traditions in it as well. Even better, it shows children that if they really aspire to be something, in this case, a chef, then they should do all they can to become it. ( )

Pierre pursues a culinary career in France. A book in the Tales of the World series. ( )