Customer Reviews

Moi and Marie Antoinette

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this book for my 33 year-old daughter, who lives in another state with her little Pug, for several reasons. One; she has a Pug, two; she studied French when she was in High School, three; she's been to Paris and has a special thing for the Eiffel Tower, four; she collects special books regardless of age. She loved the book with it's beautiful colored illustrations and read it to her little Pug, Chloe who also loved it.

This is a rather odd, but cute little book on the life of Marie Antoinette, in particular her young life, as seen through the eyes of her pet pug, Sebastien, a very spoiled and self centered little dog, as of course was his mistress.

Now we need to pause here and consider a couple of things. First, the author has taken great liberty in her account of history, which from this aspect, the book is quite flawed. Secondly, when reading this to young children, be prepared to tell them the rest of the story, as I guarantee they will ask; I know as I have been there and done that with a couple groups of children. There is always at least one in the group, even at the first and second grade level, that is somewhat aware of Antoinette's ultimate fate

That being said, this is a cute read. The sardonic wit of the dog allows the author to take some pretty nice shots at the French Court of that time and some of the personalities involved. Now I have always felt that Marie was sort of dealt a bad hand right from the start, but history is history and we sort of have to live with that. If you know pugs, you will see that the author also knows them. I can quite well imagine that the ones I have known would have had a very similar out look on life as our little pup does in this work.

The illustrations in this work are good. They are not the style that is a favorite of mine, but the kids seem to like it well enough and that is what really counts in a child's book. The various pictures go from quite detailed to quite general and you do get a good feeling of what is going on through them as they go perfectly with the text. These are actually some very nice and mellow water colors here which are very well executed.

Now I would normally give a works such as these three stars, four at the most, as I truly dislike books, even children's books that take too much liberty with history. The little dog and the authors humor shines through on this one though, so rather than take myself too serious, I will just chalk this up to a nice really, really fictionalized historical story and leave it as that. The kids like it, especially the little girls, and as I said, that is what counts.

And no, the author did not lose her head and carry this story to its well known conclusion.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

This adorable little children's biography of Marie Antoinette as a young person is distinct in that her story is told from the perspective of her chubby little pug, Sebastien, nicknamed Moi. (An interesting aside - Marie Antoinette really did own an adorable little pug named Mops. She sadly had to leave her dog in Austria as things Austrian were not held in high regard at that time).

Moi is a spoiled, lovable little pug with a sense of entitlement. He is not too different from his imperious, imperial owner. The adorable Chinese pug is able to find a way into the hearts of all who come into his presence.

This is simply a cute little story showcasing an adorable dog with a curly tail. Many historical liberties have been taken, which does weaken the book. Be sure to inform any child you share this story with the real story of Marie Antoinette and Mops. This is an ideal time to discuss and share history.

Readers of all ages will delight in the acerbically funny little pug and the verbal darts and satirical portrayal of the French Court during Marie Antoinette's time. Fortunately this author does know pugs and that is a real asset here.


The illustrations are good and work well with the story. The soft colors and expressions on the pug's face are what really make this even more appealling.

Since so many liberties were taken with actual people and events, I rate this book 4 stars. It is a nice fictionalized account of history and is just a nice story for all ages.

I am a pug lover who fell in love with this book the moment I saw it, particularly because it's read in the voice of Marie Antoinette's pug. Its colorful illustrations also help make reading very enjoyable. I do not have children (yet) but definitely wanted to add this book to my collection of all things cute, and hope to one day be able to read to my own children. I would definitely recommend this book to people of all ages, particularly pug lovers and little girls. :)

I own a pug and thought this book was so pretty that I just had to buy it. Definitely more for a girl than a boy reader, but perfect for any pug lovers!

For the young one interested in pets, princesses, palaces, pleasure gardens, Austria and France. Mostly classy - but kids will love discovering the comical part where you can see Marie Antoinette's pug dog urinating on an outdoor statue in the background.

The story of Marie Antoinette's life is charmingly told through the unlikely perspective of her beloved pug dog.

The way this book is presented is absolutely glorious -- the lettering and illustrations are a joy that really bring the story to life. While very young readers may not have a clue about Marie Antoinette's position in history, older girls and, of course, their families will adore it.

Be prepared, if you buy it for a gift, you may end up buying a second copy for yourself. It's just that wonderful!

This is a really cute book, except the premise is completly wrong! Marie Antoinette did have a pug in Austria. It's name was Mops. It traveled with her to France - but custom was that all things Austrian were to be left behind at the border: her clothes, her language, and yes, even her dog Mops. I cannot figure out why an author would write a historical picture book for children that is so flawed. I gave it 2 stars despite the really bad history because, other than that tragic flaw, it is pretty cute.

For most, the phrase "It's a dog's life" means a cushy existence. That's certainly what it was for Sebastien, favored pet of the young Antoinette.

Sebastien or "Moi" as he often refers to himself believes he is perfection and quite deserving of being pampered and played with by his young mistress. They share many things, including hating the "taste of anything that had once swum," a dislike of being groomed and fear of thunder and the dark. Therefore they are fine companions.

All of that came to an end when Antoinette was betrothed to the grandson of the king of France and off Sebastien and mistress went to live at Versailles where she would marry Louis XVI and have children. Life was so busy for her in the royal court that she had little time for Sebastien and he retreated to the park, feeling "as forgotten as yesterday's bone."

Six years passed and poor Sebastien's chin turned gray. But then one day he met a child in the park. Young readers will be surprised at who that is and what "Moi" and the child come to mean to each other.

While author Cullen obviously takes a few lighthearted liberties with the life of the French queen, Moi & Marie Antoinette is an interesting look at life in the royal court as well as an entertaining story of a girl and her dog. Amy Young's watercolor illustrations are charming , true to the dress of the day and the glitter of Versailles.

- Gail Cooke