It Happened on Sweet Street

Sweet Street was a cul-de-dac with just three shops. Monsieur Oliphant’s bakery in the middle of Sweet Street, between the bric-brac boutique and shoemaker’s shop, was the place to be. He was known for his marvellous cakes. He had no competition until the shoemaker next door retired and Mademoiselle Fée moved in. She was known for her fanciful cookies and biscuits. Not long after, the boutique down the street was replaced by Madame Clotilde, another baker. She was a baker of spectacular pies. As the word spread, crowds grew even larger, and the competition among bakeries got heated. Each day and night of the week, Sweet Street was filled with customers. Customers began to compare and argue; bakers began to compare and argue; and before anyone knew it, a sweet treat quarrel unfolded. Sweet treats were flying everywhere! As the catastrophe continued, a little girl found a chunk of crumbled pie and topped it on a crushed cake. She continued to build the layers of crumbled cakes, cookies, and pie until she had the entire crowd’s attention. Délicieuse! The whole crowd admired her creation, including the bakers. Everyone realized that each bakery had a unique but equally delicious treat to offer, and peace was restored on Sweet Street.

Capturing the French culture, this storybook features a few words en francais. It Happened on Sweet Street is written by Canadian award-winning author Caroline Adderson who has written books for both children and adults.

Award-winning illustrator Stéphane Jorisch has worked on 80 books in French and English. He brought Sweet Street to life with dreamy, blended cotton-candy colours, fanciful French characters who are well-dressed in their long coats and headpieces, including berets, and, of course, he created delectably-designed cakes, cookies, and pies that each look divine. The images look like coloured pencil sketches that have been carefully shaded in certain areas to illuminate the art element of value.

It Happened on Sweet Street is filled with many build-up events leading to the inevitable climax, and young audiences will delight in each page as they anticipate what is going to happen next. The elements of humour that are sprinkled throughout the story will be amplified when being read aloud with expression. Children will enjoy the writing and illustrations of this story, but don’t be surprised if they are asking for a sweet treat of their own after.