Feet under the table

The Henri family kitchen is buzzing with activity. Everyone is preparing the Sunday meal. Except for Uncle Hector, who’s late again! When he finally arrives, the adults are quite unhappy. Hidden under the table, children Tom, Mary and Jane have other things on their minds. Aboard their imaginary ship, they embark on a treasure hunt worthy of the greatest pirates! And as the storm rumbles overhead, the children land on a mysterious island… will they find a way to calm things down?

-A timeless story at a child’s level to play down family disputes.

-Fine, expressive linework in warm-toned watercolors

-Enthusiastic little heroes who draw the young reader into their adventure

-A familiar situation that shifts into the imaginary thanks to an eye-catching staging

-A thread that questions our relationship with time

Reviews:

“This large-format picture book has one aim: to play down the sometimes heated atmosphere at family dinners. But above all, it’s a book where imagination reigns supreme. Taking refuge under the table, the children set off like pirates in search of treasure. The girls lead the way, but Tom is not to be outdone in his discovery. Augustine, the turtle, teaches children and adults alike the art of slowness and letting go. The illustrations are full of detail, the characters endearing and the island scenery magnificent. A lovely way to talk about the passage of time and the important things in life. CL ”

-Nouvelles du livre jeunesse (TRIM/MARS 2025 — N°243)

Esther Bacot (author-illustrator)

This former engineer lives in Paris, where she now pursues a career as a designer and illustrator. Her picture books offer children the keys to understanding the world, and the chance to build their own lives in peace. Working in the traditional style, with ink and watercolor, she likes to set her stories in refined worlds where she gives life to endearing characters. Her first picture book, Chez Nonna (At Nonna’s workshop), was published in November 2023 by Cépages.