What is la petit souris?

La petite souris (French for "the little mouse") is a popular French-Canadian and French-French tradition in which a mouse is believed to collect and take away the lost baby teeth of children, leaving a small gift or money in exchange. This tradition is also known as the Tooth Fairy in other parts of the world.

In the French tradition, when a child loses a tooth, they place it under their pillow and go to sleep. The little mouse then comes in the night and takes the tooth, leaving a small gift or coin. The tradition is believed to have originated in France in the 17th century and has since spread to other French-speaking countries.

Over time, the tradition has taken on different variations and interpretations, but the purpose remains the same – to help children through the process of losing their baby teeth. It is also a way to celebrate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Nowadays, many parents continue to follow this tradition with their children, leaving little notes and small gifts as a reminder of this unique part of their childhood.