cover image Three French Hens

Three French Hens

Margie Palatini, , illus. by Richard Egielski. . Hyperion, $15.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-7868-5167-6

Take The 12 Days of Christmas , add a soupçon of French sophistication and a whiff of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy , and you've got this clever holiday farce. When three French hens sent from Paris as a gift to Philippe Renard instead wind up on the doorstep of Phil Fox in the Bronx, the fun begins. Down-on-his-luck Phil is ready to get the rotisserie roaster rolling for Poulette, Fifi and Colette until the couture-clad trio shows him an abundance of spirit (even though they are kosher hens who celebrate Hanukkah!). Egielski (Hey, Al ) goes to the limit with humorous detail, right down to scented candles in the bathroom and the gals' bright, stylish footwear. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)