Fiction
The Little Palace (Chipper Press)
2019 WINNER BRONZE MEDAL - MOONBEAM CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD (Pre-teen Historical Fiction)
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The Little Palace is a tale of creating community amid upheaval, finding beauty among the ruins of war, and remembering what it means to be human by connecting with our beastly nature.
Narcisse is a good-natured and talented feline chef in war-torn Paris as World War I nears an end. With the help of her artist-animal friends, she founds and sustains her restaurant called Le Minipalais—the Little Palace—which, on its best nights, is the greatest restaurant in the world. Despite the trials of war, sabotage, the changes that accompany peace, and learning her beloved father has been gravely wounded at the front, Narcisse and her friends ignite a beacon of equality, fraternity, and liberty in the City of Light that shines for all Paris’ inhabitants during dark times.
"The Little Palace gives its readers a thought-provoking journey that does not end with the war. Instead, the story shows readers how far wars disrupt lives. I highly recommend The Little Palace to teachers and parents who want their kids to learn empathy, a sense of wonder, and the importance of getting along and helping each other . . ." - Sue Morris of Kid Lit Reviews (starred review)
The Little Palace is a "delightful middle grade novel," with "important messages about kindness, animal cruelty, and the need for art, beauty, and friendship. . . .The Little Palace is a unique and charming fantasy that’s loving when it comes to French culture and that imparts good lessons about living simply, well, and 'in harmony with fellow beings.'" - Rachel Jagareski of Foreward Reviews (starred review)