This is the story of Philippe, of France, a Salt Marsh Lamb with artistic ambitions. After an arduous journey, he ends up in a Mont Saint-Michel kitchen with a cruel chef -- until he's freed to do his art. The underlying message is to follow your star. With blurbs by chef Jacques Pepin and the librarian of the French Institute in New York, among others. Easily shared by parents, caregivers, and teachers eager to explore France, food, and dreams of the arts with their children and students. The book also evokes the universal dream of a better life. Includes a link to a YouTube performance by Yvonnick Prene, French master of the Chromatic Harmonica and composer of an original musical composition for the book. Kirkus Reviews calls Philippe "a feast of food, heart's desire, and rising to the occasion with brio and dash." Midwest Book Review adds that it would prove to be "an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library children's picture book collections." May also be used for high school and college classes in French language.

Joan Dupont, author, writes on film and the arts and is known for her interviews in The New York Times, Film Comment, and Film Quarterly. This foray into children's fiction is Ms. Dupont's first, and was inspired by the sight of Salt Marsh Lambs grazing peacefully across the bay from Mont Saint-Michel.

Ellen Shire, illustrator, is a fine artist and an author/illustrator of children's books. Her previous works include The Bungling Ballerinas (Little, Brown and Company) and The Mystery at Number Seven Rue Petite (Random House and Hamish Hamilton, London).