THREE FRENCH HENS

Poulette, Colette and Fifi are three très chic chickens from France who arrive in error at Phil Fox’s in the Bronx rather than to Philippe Renard’s in Paris. Phil is down on his luck and envisions several tasty chicken dinners, but the three French hens quickly transform him with a personal makeover, complete redecorating of his apartment and tons of fine French cuisine. Phil finds he can’t possibly eat his kind new friends for dinner, so they celebrate the holidays together, both Christmas and Hanukkah, along with many of the characters from “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The hilarious text is full of dramatic flair, amusing references to French culture and some inside jokes for the adults that are laugh-out-loud funny. Caldecott Medalist Egielski contributes a delightfully wily fox and hens with true Parisian panache right down to high heels, hats and purses. This clever and original tale is the sort that is read over and over during any season, quite likely becoming a family favorite in any household that enjoys quirky characters, droll humor and excellent writing. (Picture book. 4-8)