The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères (2 page)

Jean-Michel is truly fond of relaxing by the sea.

Jean-Marc writes sensitive poetry.

Jean-Alexandre kicks a cool soccer ball.

And last but not least, there is Chef Marcel's youngest child, his only daughter, Petite Michelle, who loves the ballet. She helps out here and there.

Each morning, Chef Marcel calls his sons together and says, “Tell me the recipe for our wonderful cheese soup.”

And the sons recite: “Butter, cheese, stock, cream, onion, pepper, thyme, and the secret ingredient.”

And Chef Marcel says,
“Très bien!”
, which means: very good.

One day, a telegram arrives at the bistro.

“Oh no!” cries Chef Marcel. “That is one hour from now, and I am out of the secret ingredient!” His cry makes Jean-Marc and Jean-Alexandre run to the kitchen,
where they bump into Jean-Michel,
which makes Jean-Michel drop a bottle of cider,
which makes Jean-Paul and Jean-Henri upset a bowl of cream,
which makes Jean-Philippe drop the bread,
which makes Jean-Pierre toss the onions into the air!

Calmly, Petite Michelle puts hard-boiled eggs—
les oeufs durs
—in a basket on the corner of the bar.

“I have to go to the market to get the secret ingredient. While I am gone, everyone must help to make the soup,” instructs Chef Marcel.

Jean-Pierre melts the cheese
—le fromage
.

Jean-Alexandre makes the stock—
le bouillon
.

Jean-Philippe chops the onions—
les oignons.

Jean-Paul and Jean-Henri add the cream—
la crème.