-
CAROLINE LEE
a book bubble about
Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins
Children's Books
Author Insight
Globetrotting
Two decades ago, I had an amazing opportunity to visit China. Looking back, I'm grateful I experienced it before its global boom. For instance, at the time, there was only one Starbucks coffee shop! Although it was located in the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel where many international travelers resided, I still wondered why anyone would drink coffee in this land of fine exotic tea. I recall one lovely historic teahouse on the water in Shanghai. It was accessible only by crossing a long crooked bridge purported to keep evil spirits at bay. I chose a flower tea from a photo on the Chinese-only menu. It arrived at our small wooden table with dried pink blossoms floating in the steaming water of a glass teapot. The nibbles that were served with the small teacups were their own adventure. We peeled strange fruits, sampled sweetmeats encased in shiny green leaves, and even tried a few speckled quail eggs. My advice? For a memorable afternoon, skip the Starbucks latte, and just wing it with a foreign menu and all the tea in China.
Book Excerpt
Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins
“Maman, I need your help. I once promised Maxzyne I’d teach her some French. What do you suggest?”
“Oh, that is easy, ma petite.” Veronique makes a grand sweep of the silk scarf around her neck. She gives Maxzyne a knowing look.
“There are only two words that a French lady must know.”
“Really? Just two?” Maxzyne is unconvinced. “In the whole French language?”
“Oui, my dear.” Veronique puts her hand on Maxzyne’s shoulder. “Just two. The only two you need.”
“So what are they?” Maxzyne looks at Elise, who only shrugs.
“Bel esprit (Wit), of course! Go on, repeat after me.” Veronique closes her eyes, listening intently.
“Bel esprit?”
“Oui. Very nice.” Veronique nods her approval. She claps lightly.
“But what does it mean?”
“What it means to be French, my dear.” Maxzyne is confused. “Not just speaking French—non! One must have a fine mind, too.” Aloin nods approvingly. Veronique continues. “You see? To be French, is to be a cultivated, highly intelligent person. To have true bel esprit.”
“Like you, Maman?”
“Oui, ma petite. Like me, like you. And especially like our dear friend, Maxzyne.”
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Apple Books
IndieBound
Kobo
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.