Try and resist the charm of this book. Go ahead, try. See? I told you it was impossible (French-accent required)…and that is only the cover!
Today, I am absolutely delighted to share with you the continuation of “Paris-Chien” as its delightful hero, Hudson, comes to my ‘hood…La Belle Provence!
In each of Jackie’s paintings the details ring true and the vibrancy of the colors used perfectly reflect Le Midi. And yet is not all la vie en rose for Hudson as he discovers this new and very different region of France. Oh la! C’est ne pas Paris ici! No, no, the rules of the game are quite different from the city for all – whether on quatre pattes or two of the humankind.
And so the question is posed: “Will Hudson find his way? Will he fit in or will he strike his own path?” It is a question that many of us *cough cough* can respond to no matter what our age.
That the storyline unspools amidst “Le Best Of” de Provence is a sheer delight. I caught myself guessing as to exactly which ice cream parlor might have been Jackie’s inspiration (St. Marie de la Mer?) or on which place the men played pétanque in (Cucuron?) but finally it doesn’t really matter, for the essence of all that is presented is absolutely perfect.
Jackie Clark Mancuso is a native of Los Angeles and so knows a thing or five about the beauty of light. That she spends quite a bit of time in Provence is also evident…as her love for the region shines through this story as strongly as her affection for her main character, dear Hudson. He is a champ who might just be capable of making me love a “little dog” (one albeit with a big heart)…for once!
Yes, this is, I suppose, a children’s book. But I found le dictionnaire of the forty or so words used in the illustrations quite helpful for any beginning Francophone. So either alone or with a Grandchild, why not do like Hudson and curl up and get lost within a good book? “Hudson in Provence” is exactly that.
And for the extremely hard-heart of you that are still not convinced:
Published by La Librarie Parisienne only four days ago (!) – you should find “Hudson in Provence” in all quality bookstores in the US (a-hem) or through Amazon by clicking here.
To discover more about Jackie – her books, paintings and blog, click: here.
To see a photo of the real-life Hudson and get some cooking tips from Jackie, see the fabulous Ann Mah’s post: here.
Feeling lucky? You can enter a giveaway for both “Paris-Chien” and “Hudson in Provence” at the equally fabulous Kristin Espinasse’s blog: here (and it is one of my favorite of her posts to boot).
PS. No, of course this isn’t a sponsored post, I just find this book wonderful. 🙂
You have Banksy… 🙂
You rock, Gillian!
Thank you, Edgar. Bon Weekend…
Sister, I am so busted! But in my defense, in NO WAY do I think of Tennyson as a little dog! I just don't! How could anyone? 🙂
The story, the pictures……I'm hooked!!! The this absolutely delightful and will need to get a copy for great-nieces……..okay……..me.
Love it! I imagine it's bought under the pretext of being for kids, but actually the adults get as much joy from it!
The colour, the joie de vivre, the smell of Provence! I'll buy it for myself!
Cheers,
Deborah
Thank you I Dream Of. I follow you on instagram and love your work!