This is a slice of little-known history, revealed by Stéphane Moysan: in the past, the traditional Douarnenez cake was called kouign sardine, made from fish guts marinated in salt… Enough to give the city an unflattering reputation, which was not to the taste of the local lord, who was determined to change things. This fictional revelation serves as the starting point for “The tasty story of kouign amann”, where we follow the adventures of little Yann that will lead to the birth of the flaky and melting cake. “If we stick to the strict story of its invention, there is not a lot to say, but with imagination it can become a nice tale”, summarizes the children’s author from Douarnenez, who is releasing his ninth album here.
The reader will come across pirates, the Ankou, a mermaid or a dragon, always with a touch of humor. “I write books at different reading levels to appeal to all ages: I imagine the 8-year-old boy who will read the story, his parents who will catch certain winks, his little sister who will get attached to the drawings… I like the idea of an evolving album,” says Stéphane Moysan, who also makes an allusion to Les Gras.
Hidden Mice and Forgotten Words
His watercolor illustrations offer a wealth of details, such as the presence on each double page of these three mice, one of his trademarks. The author also thought about the rhythm of the words when adults read the book out loud, with the presence of old and convoluted terms like croquignolette, margoulin or turlupin. “Forgotten words that mark the child’s mind, like ”Tire la chevillette, la bobinette cherra” in Little Red Riding Hood: this brings an element of mystery,” explains the Douarnenist.
Who also multiplies the references to his city: Tristan Island, the port of Rosmeur or the Plomarc’h offer a local anchoring that will please the local reader. But it is above all the kouign amann that stands out as the star of the album, and will make Douarnenez a city known throughout the world! As for those who want to find the recipe, they will find some surprises. “I especially hope that it will be a moment of sharing between generations”, adds Stéphane Moysan, who emphasizes that his book, from design to printing, is 100% Breton.
Practical
“The tasty story of kouign amann”, €16, Capitaine Book editions. Distribution in bookstores has begun.
