Coulette, Poulette, and Fifi are three French hens who have been sent by a woman in Paris to her true love, Philippe Renard, in New York. When they end up in New York City’s unclaimed mail office, the three enterprising birds set off to find Philippe on their own. Quickly concluding that they must translate the French name “Philippe Renard” into English in order to find their intended recipient, they are soon knocking on the door of one down-on-his luck Phil Fox. Phil hasn’t had a square meal in ages. Now three square meals are standing at his door. He welcomes them in without mentioning that he’s not who they are looking for. Not to worry. Phil’s cunning is no match for his conscience, especially when he’s faced with the overwhelming good will and charm of Coulette, Poulette, and Fifi in Margie Palatini’s hilarious holiday story featuring Richard Egielski’s comical illustrations. By book’s end, the foursome are sharing a joint Christmas and Hanukkah celebration (it turns out they are kosher chickens). (Ages 5–8)

On the third day of Christmas, a mademoiselle from Paris sent her true love three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.The hens never arrived . . . . Colette, Poulette, and Fifi end up delivered not to Philippe Renard, but to Phil Fox from the Bronx. Phil can't believe his luck-he hasn't had a square meal in weeks, and here's a free lunch right on his doorstep! But his plans to dine on the delectable fowl are foiled as the French hens work their Christmas magic on him, proving that the spirit of the holidays can bring the most unlikely folks together.