Book Review of La Crêpe: A Sprinkle of Magic
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The Children’s Book Review
La Crêpe: A Sprinkle of Magic
Written by Marie-Paule Mahoney
Illustrated by Kendra Heer
Ages: 4-8 | 44 Pages
Publisher: Luminare Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8886799507
What to Expect: Breton culture, cooking, magic, animals, family love, wishes.
Filled with the sights, sounds, and Breton traditions of a French village, this story is about hope, family, and the magic of being reunited.
On Candlemas, a Christian feast day, if you make a wish while the crêpe is flipped, something magical can happen—if the crêpe flips perfectly, your wish might come true. Morgane and Gaël’s mother wishes their father would come home safely from the dangers of the sea, where he earns his living as a fisherman. However, instead of landing back in the pan, the crêpe disappears up the chimney!
Although they cannot find their lost crêpe, the little family continues to hope their wishes will come true. Meanwhile, the crêpe is rescued by the neighborhood rooster, who hides it safely in the woods with the help of his friends. When summer reaches its end, it brings with it the children’s father, safe and sound—and what should they find in the woods, but a crêpe-scented magic wishing mushroom!
The children and their mother, with their simple dreams and hopes, are sure to feel familiar to any reader who has worried about an absent loved one and made a wish, just in case. Every other page features a full-page hand-painted illustration that brings the atmosphere of Brittany to life, from traditional Breton dances to snowy winter cobbles to the cozy interior of the little cottage.
The facing pages present the story in short paragraphs, using simple language that subtly introduces some French terminology, helping readers build both their literacy skills and their cultural knowledge. An informational appendix at the end of the story explains the history of crêpes and their Candlemas associations in France and even provides a reading list for those who want to try making a crêpe of their own.
Heartwarming and magical, La Crêpe: A Sprinkle of Magic is a lovely story for winter reading.
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About the Author
Marie-Paule Mahoney was born and raised in Brittany, France, and now resides in the foothills of New York State. Throughout her career as an educator, she has authored two books on learning French.
After retiring, Marie-Paule developed a deeper interest in nature and wildlife. Her children’s books capture these topics by featuring animals in their natural habitats. In La Crêpe: A Sprinkle of Magic, she invites young readers to become acquainted with a village in her homeland and witness a cherished culinary tradition.
You can visit her at www.mariepaulemahoney.com.
About the Illustrator
Canadian illustrator Kendra Heer graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in 2023. Her children’s book art draws on vivid childhood memories and experiences, inviting readers to explore different narrative worlds through whimsical illustrations. After illustrating her first book, Little Princess by Marie-Paule Mahoney, she is excited to bring more storylines to life through her art.
You can visit her at www.kendraheer.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of La Crêpe: A Sprinkle of Magic. Learn more about getting a book review …
