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Farmingdale resident authors and illustrates new book

Marie LeTourneau Marie LeTourneau, who was raised in Babylon and now resides in Farmingdale, has authored and illustrated a new book, The Mice of Bistrot Des Sept Freres. The book was influenced by many people, including teachers from the Babylon School District.

The book, released in the spring of 2006, is about a popular French bistro owned by a family of mice. However, conflict arises when Chef Marcel runs out of his secret ingredient for his renowned cheese soup, leaving Petite Michelle, the smallest mouse, “to save the day.”

However, this is not a typical children’s book.

“I sprinkled the book with French words and phrases to go along with the English text and illustrations,” said LeTourneau. “Children can read the story in English, and absorb a bit of the French language.”

LeTourneau said part of the idea for the story came from her family. “Both my husband and I come from large families. There’s always a lot of eating and noise going on whenever everyone gets together,” said LeTourneau. She said her father-in-law “spoke French in the house, and would occasionally inject a French word or two while speaking. I thought it was a great way to learn the language.”

and former resident of France, aided LeTourneau with her “injections” of French in the project. Baty worked on the

translations of the book, as well

as, helped LeTourneau to mix in

LeTourneau

Danielle Reed Baty, a journalist,

some French culture into the book. Using this technique, children are not only entertained while reading the book, but they are learning as well.

Also inspiring LeTourneau was the impression left on

her by Babylon teachers.

“Babylon Village was a

great place to grow up and attend school. Mrs. Celeste Topazio was my art teacher in grade school. She is such a dynamic teacher and incredible person! She literally fueled my love of art in a way I don’t think she even realized,” said LeTourneau.

LeTourneau also credits her High School teachers as two other influences on her life- Alfred Frietage and Donald Bartsch.

LeTourneau graduated Babylon High School in 1987. She then studied fine art, art history, writing and drama at Hofstra University and worked as a freelance artist. She held several other art positions until signing with her publisher, Tanglewood Press. From there, she created the illustrations for Is Worry Worrying You? (2005), written by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, and then The Mice of Bistrot Des Sept Freres was published.

The Mice of Bistrot Des Sept Freres is on sale now and is recommended for children aged 4 to 9 years old. Tanglewood Press offers the recipe for the cheese soup featured in the story, which was created by LeTourneau and friends, on their website (www.tanglewoodbooks.com). The recipe offers families a chance for a taste test while reading the story.

For more information on LeTourneau, the book or her appearances, visit www.marieletourneau.com.