France - Children's Books

France... the fairy tale land of Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Puss In Boots so it's not a surprise to be the home of Disneyland in Europe.

Do you know of such a book or any other children’s books featuring France that should be included in this list? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!

Children's A to Z Books about France

E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet: From its achievements in architecture (Chartres Cathedral), science (Louis Pasteur), and literature (Marcel Proust), the country of France has had a profound impact on the world. E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet explores its venerable history and cultural heritage. Sumptuous artwork magnifies each letter topic's poem and expository text. Artists and critics tried to stifle the daring design of Gustave Eiffel. Yet a hundred years later, still it stands as a symbol of France to other lands.

The ABCs of France: From Alps to Zorn: This picture book features twenty-seven original watercolor illustrations of France. Readers will tour many of the country's key locations, starting with "A for Les Alpes" and ending with "Z for La Zorn."

France ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of France: An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of France.

Children's Books about French Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, and Legends

In 1697, Charles Perrault, the famous French fabulist, published a collection known as Histoires ou contes du temps passé, avec des moralités or Contes de ma mère l'Oye (Stories or Tales from Past Times, with Morals or Mother Goose Tales), which included some of the best-loved fairy stories of all time, such as Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Puss In Boots. Along with the collections of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, Perrault's stories are among the great  European fairy tales.

The Complete Fairy Tales (Oxford World's Classics): The only complete edition of all Perrault's tales both in prose and verse, in a translation by Christopher Betts. This 2009 translation by Betts captures the tone and flavor of Perrault's world, and the delightful spirit of the originals. In addition to the familiar stories of Little Red Riding-Hood, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, this edition also includes the three verse tales--the troubling account of patient Griselda, the comic Three Silly Wishes, and the notorious Donkey-Skin. 

Perrault's Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Classics): Here are the original eight stories from the 1697 volume by the Charles Perrault in the 1969 translation that retains the charming and unsentimental simplicity that has won Perrault a permanent position in French literature. This edition also includes 34 extraordinary full-page engravings by Gustave Dore that show clearly why this artist became the foremost illustrator of his time. These illustrations have long been considered the ideal accompaniment to Perrault's fairy tales. In many cases they created the pictorial image that we associate with the stories.

The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault (Penguin Modern Classics): In breathing new life into these classic fables, Angela Carter produced versions that live on as classics in their own right, marked as much by her signature wit, irony, and subversiveness as they are by the qualities that have made them universally appealing for centuries.

Little Red Riding Hood and other Fairy Tales from Charles Perrault: Eleven Classic Stories Including Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty and Puss-In-Boots: Folklorist Neil Philip retells the stories without losing any of the original flair and excitement, and his accompanying notes to the stories provide fascinating background detail on each fairy tale. This charming anthology has been beautifully illustrated by Sally Holmes, creating a book that children of all ages will cherish.

Charles Perrault's Mother Goose Tales (Fairy Tale Treasuries): A spectacular menagerie of classic tales from Charles Perrault, re-told and illustrated by Val Biro.

Tales From Perrault (Oxford Illustrated Classics): The stories in this volume, translated and retold by the late Ann Lawrence, are faithful to the well-loved originals, while the stunning illustrations of Tony James Chance bring them vividly and stylishly to life.

Classic Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault: This title contains nine of the most famous children's fairy tales of all time, gathered in one volume, a must for every new reader's bookcase. Children will be able to discover ,or rediscover, their favourite characters and lose themselves in the adventures thanks to the original texts, but adapted into a modern and accessible language, perfect for both the youngest of children as well as those who can already read. The stories are enriched and completed with the bright and attractive illustrations of Francesca Rossi, an artist has given a touch of modernity and freshness to the timeless classics.

Puss in Boots: The classic tale of a roguish swashbuckling cat, Puss in Boots is brought to life by the beautifully hand crafted water colors of Olga Zakharova. Brilliant colors and imagery together with the famous tale by Charles Perrault.

Puss in Boots: A beautifully illustrated retelling of the beloved fairy tale from Caldecott Medal-winning author Jerry Pinkney    For generations, children have been enchanted by the tale of the clever cat in fancy boots who outsmarts a king and a sorcerer to win a castle and a bride for his penniless master. The humor, the magic, and a lush Renaissance setting are all on glorious display, and a well-placed gatefold adds to the drama. 

The Beauty and the Beast (MinaLima Edition): Generations of readers have been bewitched by the epic love story of a beautiful young girl imprisoned in the magical castle of a monstrous beast. Now, the classic fairy tale is brought to life in this spectacular illustrated edition with the original story by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. [Mama Traveler Note: Beauty and the Beast (French: La Belle et la Bête) is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and originally published in 1740 in La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins (The Young American and Marine Tales). Read more]

Beauty and the Beast: Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont simplified and shortened Villeneuve's original version 16 years later and published it in a magazine for young ladies. The new abridged version became more successful, and Madame de Beaumont is regarded now as the author of the classic story. This edition includes the Andrew Lang translation and illustrations by Walter Crane. Crane's work in children's books in cooperation with the publisher Edmund Evans earned him worldwide fame in the late 19th century.

Beauty and the Beast - All Four Versions: Beauty and the Beast - All Four Versions includes the original, adult-oriented edition of the story by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (translated from the French by James Robinson Planché), the simplified and shortened version by Jeanne-Marie Leprince De Beaumont which appeared sixteen years later - the basis for all future versions, the Brothers Grimm adaptation and a somewhat forgotten version by Victorian folklorist and anthropologist Andrew Lang.

Beauty and the Beast: Exquisite illustrations of Beauty and her mysterious suitor, the Beast, are set in a magical castle where animals dressed in period costumes serve them. Woven into glorious tapestries throughout are hidden clues hinting at the Beast's secrets, setting Jan Brett's version apart from others.

Old French Fairy Tales (Vol. 1 + Vol. 2): Vintage Books released the "Old French Fairy Tales" by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse de Ségur (1799-1874) in two volumes. The first volume gathers together three stories from a marvelous age when fairies and genii were still thriving in our world and our imagination. Exquisitely illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1931), "The story of Blondine, Bonne-biche, and Beau-Minon", "Good Little Henry" and "History of Princess Rosette" are bringing back from a distant past some good old moral values and a reassuring creed that honesty, true friendship and love will ultimately prevail. This second volume of the "Old French Fairy Tales" by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse de Ségur (1799-1874) brings us back into the distant realm of the Queen of Fairies and the King of Genii. Luxuriously illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1931), "The Little Gray Mouse" and "Ourson" keep testifying until today that good old moral values and, above all, love are the best response and the mightiest weapon against all evil, natural or supernatural. 

Stone Soup: Three soldiers come marching down the road towards a French village. The peasants, seeing them coming, suddenly become very busy, for soldiers are often hungry. All their food is hidden under mattresses or in barns. Then follows a battle of wits, with the soldiers equal to the occasion. Why, of course—even with no food, they can still make a wonderful soup! All they will need is three round stones. But to make a truly perfect stone soup, they will of course also need a carrot or two…a cabbage…and so it goes.  First published in 1947, Marcia Brown’s retelling of a French folktale is a picture book classic. Her lively art creates a festival of activity, of dancing and laughter, that young readers will want to experience again and again.

The Wildwood Elves: Deep in the forest, the Wildwood elves live happily in their little village, making pottery, chopping wood and growing vegetables. But when a friendly seagull makes a flying visit, they are astonished to hear of a mysterious thing called 'the sea'... and so begins a wonderful seaside adventure.  Charmingly written by popular French children's author Anne-Marie Chapouton, and full of lively and characterful illustrations by world-renowned artist Gerda Muller, this classic tale is available in English for the first time. Children will be enchanted by the hidden world of the mischievous, adventurous, and curious Wildwood elves while their grown-ups will love the vintage artwork inspired by folklore and bursting with details of the natural world.

Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales: Perilous quests, true love, and animals that talk. The traditional stories of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales collected in this extraordinary volume conjure forgotten realms and rare magical creatures in vivid prose, transporting us to the fantastical world of Celtic folklore. These timeless tales brim with wit and magic, and each one is brought to life with elegant silhouette art in this special illustrated edition.

Children's Books about France

Our World: France: Spend a day in France counting the dogs un-deux-trois, taking Doudou out for a walk, and playing until it's time for bonne nuit. Author Evelyne Holingue and illustrator Margaux Carpentier draw on their young lives in France to create an authentic picture of modern French life.

Les Miserables: A BabyLit French Language Primer (BabyLit Books): Introduce your bébé to the world of Victor Hugo with 10 words and phrases from the classic Les Miserables. Colorful, eye-catching illustrations of characters and objects from the novel pair with French translations you’ll want to hear your baby say again and again.

The Cat Who Walked Across France: An unforgettable tour of France  The cat and the old woman have lived happily together for many years in the stone house by the sea. But when the old woman dies, the cat is packed up with her belongings and sent north to the village where she was born. Soon he is forgotten. He walks the streets aimlessly until, spurred by memories and a longing to return to the place he knows and loves, the cat embarks on a journey to find the home he was taken away from.  In lyrical prose and breathtaking images, Kate Banks and Georg Hallensleben take the reader on a journey across the Norman countryside, past ancient ruins, through bustling cities, to the sparkling ports of the Mediterranean Sea and a place the cat can call home.

France (Follow Me Around): From the Eiffel Tower to the amazing artwork in the Louvre, there's a lot to see in France. With the help of their local guides Hugo and Chloe, readers will tour this European nation's most incredible sights. Along the way, they'll learn about France's history and culture. They will also find out how French people live, from which kinds of houses they live in to what topics they study in school.

My First Book - France: The culture, the beauty, the landmarks, the food - it is simply fascinating. In this book, we cover all of those magical elements about FRANCE in a digestible and engaging way!  Combining fun and education, we use real-life images to help your child learn about the country.

Fanny in France: Travel Adventures of a Chef's Daughter with Recipes: From famed chef Alice Waters, a treat for anyone who loves France, food, adventure—or all three!  Fanny is a girl who knows a lot about food and cooking since she’s grown up in and around the famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. When Fanny’s mother, Alice Waters, the chef and owner of Chez Panisse, starts to watch her favorite old French movies, Fanny knows soon they’ll be packing their bags and traveling to France for a visit. In this sparkling book of whimsical stories, Fanny recounts some of her most fun-filled adventures with French friends and food. Join Fanny as she helps cook a huge bouillabaisse in Provence; learns how to make fresh cheese from a shepherd high up in the Pyrenees mountains; hunts for  wild oysters off the coast of Bordeaux, and discovers how one chicken can feed nine people, if served a certain way.      Fanny in France is also a beginner’s cookbook with forty simple, French-inspired recipes that encourage children and adults anywhere to cook and share delicious snacks and meals with family and friends using basic methods and the most sustainable ingredients.

Learn About France For Kids: Learn About France For Kids provides facts about population, wildlife, landscape and industry, but peppered throughout are interesting "fun facts", cartoons and stories to make learning about France a fun adventure into another culture.

Children's Books about Stories Taking Place in Paris

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Madeline: Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!

The Family Under the Bridge: The heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places, featuring artwork by beloved illustrator Garth Williams. This classic middle grade novel is a welcome and meaningful read, especially at Christmastime.  Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures and no cares, what more could he need?  Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home. 

Adèle & Simon: When Simon's older sister, Adèle, picks him up from school, he has his hat and gloves and scarf and sweater, his coat and knapsack and books and crayons, and a drawing of a cat he made that morning. Adèle makes Simon promise to try not to lose anything. But as they make their way home, distractions cause Simon to leave something behind at every stop. What will they tell their mother?  Detailed pen-and-ink drawings - filled with soft watercolors - make a game of this unforgettable tour through the streets and scenes of early-twentieth-century Paris. Illustrated endpapers extend the fun by replicating a 1907 Baedeker map of Paris.

Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris: An infectious rhyming tale about courage, compassion and a stylish little mouse, from international fashion illustrator Megan Hess.  Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris follows an adorable mouse who dreams of moving to Paris to follow her fashion dreams. One day, she bravely takes the leap – only to find a mean little girl with a horrible-looking cat standing in the way of her perfect Parisian apartment! Can Claris use all her wit, warmth and – of course – style to make her dreams come true? This is the first book in a series.

Anatole: Anatole is a most honorable mouse. When he realizes that humans are upset by mice sampling their leftovers, he is shocked! He must provide for his beloved family--but he is determined to find a way to earn his supper. And so he heads for the tasting room at the Duvall Cheese Factory. On each cheese, he leaves a small note--"good," "not so good," "needs orange peel"--and signs his name. When workers at the Duvall factory find his notes in the morning, they are perplexed--but they realize that this mysterious Anatole has an exceptional palate and take his advice. Soon Duvall is making the best cheese in all of Paris! They would like to give Anatole a reward--if only they could find him...

Anatole and the Cat: Anatole is the happiest, most contented mouse in all of Paris. He is Vice-President in charge of Cheese Tasting at Duvall's cheese factory. He works in secret at night--the people at Duvall have no idea their mysterious taster is really a mouse! So M'sieu Duvall thinks nothing of bringing his pet cat to the factory...  Clever Anatole must act to protect his job, and his life! He must do what no mouse has done before--find a way to bell the cat. Bonne chance, Anatole!

Crêpes by Suzette: Take your children on a trip to Paris with Suzette, the crêpe maker, and her artistic customers. As Suzette sells her delicacies over the course of a day, you will be treated to the sights and sounds of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, from Nôtre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower. Suzette's customers along the way are inspired by works of art, such as da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Degas's Little Dancer. Children will learn some key French words and phrases. As delicious as Suzette's crêpes, this book will captivate children—and parents— who will want to make the trip to Paris themselves. Bon voyage!

Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat: Minette's Feast introduces the iconic American chef Julia Child to a new audience of young readers through the story of her spirited cat, Minette, whom Julia adopted when living in Paris. While Julia is in the kitchen learning to master delicious French dishes, the only feast Minette is truly interested in is that of fresh mouse! This lively story is complete with an author's note, a bibliography, and actual quotations from Julia Child and comes just in time for the 100th anniversary of her birth.

Paris Up, Up and Away: The Eiffel Tower is bored … so it decides to cut loose and fly over Paris! Sailing through the night air, it glides over the Seine; a short hop away, it finds the Opéra. It weaves through crowds on the streets and in the department stores, falls asleep in the sun, and wakes up to the jangling bells of Notre Dame. This beautifully crafted book, brought to intricate, magical life by He´le`ne Druvert’s ornate lasercuts, is a wonderfully imaginative introduction to Paris and its monuments for young children.

The Story of Diva and Flea: Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery.  For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris, France―but at no fixed address. When Flea flâneurs past Diva’s courtyard one day, their lives are forever changed. Together, Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds, as only true friends can do.

Children's Books about Travel to Paris

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] The Way to the Orsay Museum: France: In Paris, Marie and her mother are on their way to see art at the Orsay Museum. Along the way they discover many interesting things.

A Lion in Paris: A Lion in Paris is widely regarded as the most accomplished book by multi-award-winning children’s author/illustrator Beatrice Alemagna. It tells the story of a lion who, bored by his rural life in the savanna, seeks excitement and opportunity in the City of Light. Upon arriving in Paris, the lion is disappointed to find that despite his size, people barely pay attention to him, not even when he lets out a ferocious roar on the busy underground Métro. Revealing the sights and sounds of Paris from Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, this beautifully illustrated book successfully conveys the experience of being a stranger in a new city and the process of understanding one’s own identity.

A Walk in Paris: Vive la France! Join a girl and her grandfather on a walking tour through Paris. Follow them as they climb to the top of Notre Dame—formidable!—sample tasty treats at bistros and pâtisseries—délicieux!—and take in a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower—magnifique! Young francophiles and armchair travelers will be charmed by Salvatore Rubbino’s lively, sophisticated illustrations and fascinating trivia about this beloved city.

A Day in Paris (City Explorer): What could you see if you had a day in Paris? Photojournalist Elena is thrilled to check out this impressive city. Armed with her camera and her handy researcher Jacob, she is ready for an adventure.  Right away, Elena discovers how wonderful Paris is! The Arc de Triomphe, art everywhere, and French onion soup… There are exciting landmarks and delicious treats around every corner. If she gets confused, fact-checking guru Jacob is there to provide insight and guidance. You can’t find a better world-traveling team!

My Little Cities: Paris: In this delightful series written by BabyLit author Jennifer Adams and illustrated by kidlit darling Greg Pizzoli, each book showcases a different city with sweet baby-appropriate text, ridiculously charming illustrations, and a light introduction to rhyme and opposites. High-chair travelers can take a whirlwind tour of the city of light and love! Listen to the choir at Notre Dame Cathedral, explore the catacombs, ride up to the tip-top of the Eiffel Tower and, of course, say good night to the sparkling city of Paris.

All Aboard! Paris: A French Primer: From the creators of BabyLit: Every area of the world can be mapped out for adventure, and brilliant babies love the sophistication of traveling by train.

Paris: A Book of Shapes (Hello, World): Introducing Hello, World, an exciting new board book series that pairs early learning concepts with colorful, stylish illustrations of cities around the world.  Paris is a treasure trove of fascinating shapes: there are triangles at the Louvre Museum, rectangles at Notre-Dame Cathedral, arches at the Arc de Triomphe, and stars in a beautiful Parisian night sky. Explore shapes all over Paris in this gorgeous board book!

Trotro in Paris: Visiting Paris with Trotro is very fun. He climbs up the Eiffel Tower, walks beneath the Arc de Triomphe, takes a ride on a carrousel in Montmarte, goes to see Mona Lisa in the Louvre, but what he enjoyed the most is having an ice cream in front of Notre-Dame.

Good Night Paris: Good Night Paris highlights the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Jardin du Luxembourg, Place de la Concorde, Palace of Versailles, the Seine River, and more. Grab a crusty baguette and let’s explore the City of Light. This charming board books tours children around the most exciting and historical sites this fabulous city offers.

Paris City Trails (Lonely Planet Kids): Let Marco and Amelia, our Lonely Planet Kids explorers, take you off the tourist trail and guide you on a journey through Paris you’ll never forget. This book is perfect for any kids who have been to Paris, plans to go there or is just interested in finding out more about this amazing city!  Discover Paris’s best‐kept secrets, amazing stories and loads of other cool stuff from the comfort of your own home, or while out and about in the city.  

Pop-up Paris: Paris will come alive with this beautiful and colourful pop-up book from Lonely Planet Kids. With a set of six stunning pop-ups and gorgeous illustrations, this book is the perfect introduction to the magic of Paris for any age. This stylish look at the city's iconic landmarks will kickstart the travel bug in young explorers!

Eloise in Paris: Bonjour! Here's the thing of it: Paris has just been discovered by Eloise the little girl from the Plaza... Here is what Eloise does in Paris: everything. The effect is rawther extraordinaire. If you come to Paris with Eloise you will always be glad you did. Eloise in Paris was first published in 1957, the second of the Eloise quartet, and an immediate bestseller. Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight traveled to Paris to research the book, and the illustrations are dotted with the celebrities they knew there: Richard Avedon takes Eloise's passport photograph; Christian Dior prods her tummy, while his young assistant, Yves Saint Laurent, looks on; Lena Horne sits at an outdoor café.

The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete in Paris!: The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete tell the stories of a little girl named Aya, who travels the world with her parents and her buddy, Pete. Whether they are trying croque-monsieur sandwiches in Paris or exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, Aya and Pete are always ready for the adventure and excitement of exploring a new place.  In this Book, Aya & Pete travel to Paris, the City of Light! After an early morning wake-up from Mommy, Aya has to get ready for her trip, but there's much to do before they get going. Thankfully, her buddy Pete is there to lend a hand! At the airport, Aya & Pete are greeted by friendly flight attendants as they get ready to fly to Paris. Once they arrive in Paris, Aya is intrigued by the new foods and colorful pastries she finds in a local Parisian café. Later, Aya and Pete set about exploring the sights of Paris, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jardin du Luxembourg. And of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a view of the Eiffel Tower.

This is Paris: With the same wit and perception that distinguished his charming books on London, New York, and San Francisco, here this famous Czech painter presents his impressions of Paris in This Is Paris, first published in 1959 and now updated for the 21st century.  We see its famous buildings, its beautiful gardens, the museums, the sidewalk cafes, and the people who live there -- artists, the concierges, the flower girls, and even the thousands of cats. Take a tour along the banks of the Seine, or through the galleries of the Louvre, or to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  Elegant, vivid pictures of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, This is Paris!

Everybody Bonjours!: Shop a fancy France-y store. Eat a pretty petit four. Discover! Sightsee! Explore! On this fun and friendly tour, everybody says “Bonjour!” Whether at a soccer stadium (“players scoring”), a crêpe stand (“batter pouring”), or strolling the Champs d’ Elysee (where folks “bonjour” in every store), a little girl and her family are welcomed everywhere with the signature French greeting. Jump into these pages and enjoy the trip! Through lilting words and lively images, Everybody Bonjours welcomes young reader-travelers to a Paris that isn’t just for artists, grown-ups, and dreamers– it’s for kids!

Let's Visit Paris!: Adventures of Bella & Harry: Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Paris and discover the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and other fascinating places. Along the way, local cuisine (such as crepes) and basic French phrases are introduced to the reader. The Adventures of Bella & Harry is a picture book series that chronicles the escapades of a pup named Bella, her little brother Harry and their family, who travel the world exploring the sights and sounds of new, exciting cities.

Recipe for Adventure: Paris!: When Zia Donatella comes to live with the Bertolizzi family, little do Alfie and his older sister Emilia know what's in store for them. Zia Dontella is determined to show the kids how a home-cooked meal is better than even the best take-out pizza or burrito. And when Zia's plan actually transports Alfie and Emilia to famous food cities around the world, they learn first-hand how food can not only take you places but can also bring you back home. Alfie and Emilia are transported to Paris, where a case of mistaken identity finds them caught up in the behind the scenes drama at a traditional French cooking school. As they explore the beautiful city of light and try to figure out how to get back home, they meet an incredible cast of French characters, as well as sample some of the best pastries and real hot chocolate that Paris has to offer.

Lily & Baa in Paris: In this heartwarming and colorful story, a little girl named Lily travels around the world with her favorite companion, Baa - a little sheep with a curious mind and a big appetite! A great read for preschool and kindergarten kids who are sure to be drawn to Lily & Baa as they hop and skip, hand in hand, exploring the brightly colored sights, unique sounds and delicious treats of wondrous cities around the world, beginning in Paris, France.

The Little Bookroom Guide to Paris with Children: Play, Eat, Shop, Stay: The Little Bookroom Guide to Paris with Children focuses on what sophisticated parents with good taste want to know: how to see Paris’s most important sights and neighborhoods in a child-centered way—in this case, through the eyes and experiences of author Kim Horton Levesque and her three research assistants, her daughters.

KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France: KeeKee is the adventurous calico kitty who travels the world in her hot air balloon. Her first stop? Ooh là là! It’s Paris, France! Join KeeKee as she explores the sights, sounds, and—yum yum!—tastes of this beautiful and historic city. Young readers will share KeeKee’s delight as she makes new friends, discovers exciting places, and immerses herself in the fascinating French culture. And they’ll have fun with the kid-friendly pronunciation guide and glossary in the back of the book, along with a unique and charmingly illustrated map of Paris.

Paris in the Spring with Picasso: This evocative portrait of the artists that made Paris tick in the early 20th century is a perfect introduction to the world of contemporary art and literature . . . and to Paris!  On any day of the week, if you cross Paris’s Luxembourg Gardens, you will come to a cobbled street called rue de Fleurus. Follow it to number 27, and you will arrive at Gertrude Stein’s home. Inside, she and her friend Alice B. Toklas are getting ready for their soiree with Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob, and some other friends. While they are tidying, Pablo is at his easel, working on a painting. His brilliant black eyes never leave the canvas. And what is Max doing? Well, he is completely absorbed in a poem he is writing.

Leap & Hop Paris: In addition to general information such as history, geography, currency, food, fashion, and architecture Leap and Hop Paris will take the children to the main Parisian iconic sites as well as neighbourhoods scattered across the city. The kids will be engaged as they explore Montmartre, play in the Luxembourg Garden, visit the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame de Paris and other areas with fun and educational challenges that vary from place to place, such as scavenger hunts, I Spy games, quiz walks, puzzles, and word searches. 

Join Me on a Journey to Paris: Take a magical trip to Paris with this fun and educational book for young children! Explore the City of Lights through vibrant illustrations and simple, engaging text that introduces young readers to the famous landmarks, delicious cuisine, and rich culture of Paris. From climbing the Eiffel Tower to munching on croissants, this book is the perfect introduction to travel and learning about the world. Join Me on a Journey to Paris and discover the wonders of this exciting city!

The Parisian Bunny Caper: The Adventures of International Lily: Lily travels with her family to Paris. She meets new people and discovers lots of cool places in the City of Light. What happens when her trip is complicated by a furry friend? This book makes a great gift for young readers who have a sense of adventure and love learning about different cultures. Join Lily on the adventure of a lifetime!

Sophia & Mila in Paris: The Adventures of Two Traveling Sisters: Sophia & Mila are two sisters who love to read and love to travel. Join them as they visit the world's most famous cities and learn about history, culture, and geography in a fun and memorable way. Next stop, Paris.

Monuments that tell stories of Paris: From the Roman Arena to the Grande Arche at la Defense. A Paris guide for children filled with beautiful line drawings and descriptions of this city’s architectural highlights, this little book takes young readers inside its historical landmarks, bringing back to life the times in which they came to be.

Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure: Mission Paris takes your young travelers through the famous sights of Paris, engaging them in an exciting scavenger hunt as you explore city landmarks together.  Say 'au revoir' to a trip filled with the stress of keeping everyone entertained. Instead, say 'bonjour!' to a memorable family vacation. Imagine - your kids will be excited to sightsee (yes, even at museums!) as you discover the wonders of Paris as a family.

Where Is the Eiffel Tower?: Learn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world!  When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it  ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.  This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.

Kid's Travel Guide to Paris: This guide is filled with everything you need to know to explore the City of Lights, from must-see landmarks to delicious French cuisine. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our guide is the perfect companion for your journey. With engaging and informative content written specifically for kids, this guide will have you discover the best that Paris has to offer in no time.

Children's Books about Famous French Historical Figures

Different Like Coco: The rags-to-riches story of Coco Chanel plays out in a wonderful picture-book biography as full of style and spirit as its heroine.  Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was always different. And she vowed to prove that being different was an advantage! Poor, skinny, and orphaned, Coco stubbornly believed that she was as good as the wealthier girls of Paris. Tapping into her creativity and her sewing skills, she began making clothes that suited her (and her pocketbook) — and soon a new generation of independent working women craved her sleek, comfortable, and practical designs. Now an icon of fashion and culture, Coco Chanel continues to inspire young readers, showing just how far a person can come with spunk, determination, and flair. Back matter includes a fashion time line and a bibliography.

Coco Chanel (Little People, Big Dreams): Following the death of her mother, Coco spent her early life in an orphanage, where she was taught how to use a needle and thread. From there, she became a cabaret singer, seamstress, hat maker, and, eventually, the world's most famous fashion designer. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the designer's life.

Josephine Baker (Little People, BIG DREAMS): Meet Josephine Baker, the world-famous entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent in this true story of her life! Part of the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this inspiring and informative little biography follows the incredible life of Josephine Baker, from growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, during segregation to defying expectations and performing on the stage in Paris, where audiences fell in love with her.  Josephine Baker was born for the stage. But growing up in segregated St. Louis, she didn't have the same opportunities as white entertainers. So, she moved to Paris where audiences fell in love with her. Josephine worked as a dancer, an actor, and even a spy. She then spent the rest of her life spreading the word that people of all colors can live together in harmony. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the entertainer's amazing life.

Simone de Beauvoir (Little People, BIG DREAMS): New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Simone de Beauvoir, the great French philosopher and mother of feminism.  When Simone de Beauvoir was a little girl, her father would proudly boast that she had the brain of a man—whatever that meant. But later, after years of studying, Simone would write a book that challenged the role of women in society, sending shock waves around the world. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the philosopher's life.

Marie Antoinette "Madame Deficit" (The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames): The young, pretty queen who is remembered for supposedly uttering, “Let them eat cake,” Marie Antoinette had fun and spent money on beautiful things, while her people starved. But was she as heartless as everyone believed?  Gorgeous illustrations and an intelligent, evocative story bring to life a real dastardly dame whose extravagance incited a revolution.

Who Was Napoleon?: Learn more about Napoleon Bonaparte, the decorated French military leader who conquered much of Europe in the early nineteenth century.  Born in the Mediterranean island of Corsica, Napoleon Bonaparte felt like an outsider once his family moved to France. But he found his life's calling after graduating from military school. Napoleon went on to become a brilliant military strategist and the emperor of France. In addition to greatly expanding the French empire, Napoleon also created many laws, which are still encoded in legal systems around the world.

Napoleon: Emperor and Conqueror (A Wicked History): Explore the life of Napoleon. The wicked ways of some of the most ruthless rulers to walk the earth are revealed in these thrilling biographies about men and women so monstrous, they make Frankenstein look like a sweetheart.

Robespierre: Master of the Guillotine (Wicked History): The wicked ways of some of the most ruthless rulers to walk the earth are revealed in these thrilling biographies about men and women so monstrous, they make Frankenstein look like a sweetheart.

Children's Books about Famous French Scientists

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] The Girl Who Built an Ocean: An Artist, an Argonaut, and the True Story of the World's First Aquarium: The inspiring tale of a seamstress-turned-scientist who invented the world's first aquarium at a time when women in STEM were startlingly rare.  The daughter of a seamstress and a cobbler, Jeanne Villepreux-Power began her career as a dressmaker, sewing beautiful gowns for the Parisian aristocracy. But her heart longed for more, and when she moved to the seaside, she became fascinated by the ocean's mysteries.   She filled her pockets with seashells and specimens, and filled her notebooks with oservations about coral and crustaceans and all manner of marine life. The argonaut interested her most of all, but Jeanne's observations of this shy creature were confounded by its tendency to swim away when approached. Jeanne wanted a way to bring a piece of the ocean home with her, and that's she came to build the world's first aquarium—an invention that would pave the way for countless scientific discoveries in the years to come...

Louis Pasteur (Little People, BIG DREAMS): From the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and the father of modern medicine.   Little Louis was born in France during a time when doctors were still trying to figure out what made people sick. During his teen years, he discovered a love for science and became famous for figuring out how to kill off damaging microbes. Through his curiosity and creativity (and lots of trial and error), his research led to the development of vaccinations, a vital tool in today's world. 

Children's Books about Famous French Artists and French Art

Katie and the Waterlily Pond: Make art an adventure with classic picture book character, Katie, in this wonderful introduction to some of Monet's best-known paintings.  Katie desperately wants to win the art competition at the gallery. She just has to create a painting in the style of Monet. That should be easy . . . right?  This first introduction to Monet features five of his most magical paintings: The Waterlily Pond, In the Woods at Giverny, Bathers at La Grenouillére, Path Through the Poppies and The Rue Montorguiel, Paris.

Meet Claude Monet (Meet the Artist): In Meet Claude Monet, you will learn from one of the greatest artists of all time. Who better to show how wild strokes can make something beautiful? See what he can show you about Impressionism! Then, examine your favorite places and create art for yourself.

Claude Monet: He Saw the World in Brilliant Light (What the Artist Saw): See the world through Claude Monet’s’ eyes and be inspired to produce your own masterpieces.   Have you ever wondered exactly what your favorite artists were looking at to make them draw, sculpt, or paint the way they did? In this charming illustrated series of books to keep and collect, created in full collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you can see what they saw and be inspired to create your own artwork, too. In What the Artist Saw: Claude Monet, meet famous French painter Claude Monet. Step into his life and learn how he pioneered the Impressionist movement. Learn all about his love of nature and how he was inspired to paint light, water, and water lilies. Have a go at producing your own art inspired by what you find most beautiful about nature!

Mornings with Monet: Claude Monet is one of the world's most beloved artists--and he became famous during his own lifetime. He rejected a traditional life laid out clean and smooth before him. Instead he chose a life of art. But not just any art: a new way of seeing that came to be called impressionism.  Monet loved to paint what he saw around him, particularly the Seine River. He was initially rejected for using bright colors, tangled brushstrokes--condemned for his impressions. But soon art dealers and collectors were lining up each morning to see as Monet saw. Monet, however, waited only for the light. The changing light...each morning he had a dozen canvases on hand to paint a dozen different moments. His brush moved back and forth, chasing sunlight--putting in the arduous work to create an image that seemed to contain no effort at all.

Katie and the Mona Lisa: Join Katie as she steps into some of the most famous paintings in the world for an exciting art adventure!  When the Mona Lisa's smile goes missing, it's up to Katie to help find it again. On the way, they meet a princess, a dragon, a winged lion and an angel. But can Katie make the Mona Lisa smile again?

Katie and the Impressionists: Join Katie as she steps into some of the most famous paintings in the world for an exciting art adventure! Katie would love to give Grandma a bunch of flowers for her birthday - but just where will she find the perfect bouquet? If only she were able to gather some flowers from the beautiful paintings in the gallery... This first introduction to Impressionism features five great masterpieces: The Luncheon and The Field With Poppies by Claude Monet, A Girl With a Watering Can and Her First Evening Out by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Blue Dancers by Edgar Degas. 

Meet Edgar Degas (Meet the Artist): In Meet Edgar Degas, you will meet an expert artist. Who better to teach you the magic of capturing movement and gesture on paper? Listen as he points out key details. Then, you can study the positions and moves around you and create art for yourself!

Chasing Degas: Monsieur Degas likes to paint the students while they practice in ballet class―they’ve inspired many of his beautiful paintings. But one day he mistakenly leaves his bag of paints in the dance studio and instead takes a young ballerina’s bag, which contains her new tutu for the evening’s recital! And so the ballerina begins a great chase to find Degas before her big night.   As she searches the streets of Paris, the ballerina encounters many other Impressionist painters, who are in the process of painting some of their great works. Monet, Renoir, Caillebotte, and Cassatt help the ballerina until she is reunited, at last, with Degas.

Meet Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Meet the Artist): In Meet Pierre-Auguste Renoir, you can learn from a man who loved color. Who better to show you the power of painting outdoors and thick strokes than Monet’s close friend? What secrets can you pick up from him? Then, use your impressions to draw bright scenes!

Katie and the Bathers: Join Katie as she steps into some of the most famous paintings in the world for an exciting art adventure!  On a hot, sunny day, a painting of some bathers in a cool river proves too tempting for Katie, and so she dives straight into the picture! But Katie doesn't just cause a splash - she causes a flood! Paddling with new friends might be fun, but how will Katie stop the water pouring into the gallery? This first introduction to Pointillism features five great masterpieces: Bathers at Asnieres, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte and Port of Honfleur by Georges Seurat, Woman Hanging up the Washing by Camille Pissarro and Portrait of Felix Feneon by Paul Signac.

Meet Camille Pissarro (Meet the Artist): In Meet Camille Pissarro, you will meet an expert in artistic light. Who better to teach you about lighting in everyday scenes than one of the first Impressionist painters? What will you spot in his moody pictures? Then, examine light and shadows and create your own art!

Meet Paul Cézanne (Meet the Artist): In Meet Paul Cézanne, you will meet an expert Impressionist painter. Who better to explain his brushstrokes and show you the beauty of nature? Trace his lines and admire his colors! Then, experiment with landscape painting and character studies.

Meet Henri Rousseau (Meet the Artist): Hi! I’m Henri Rousseau. I wasn’t very famous while I was alive, but now everyone admires my bold colors and flat shapes! Can you use your imagination to paint wild scenes, like I did? Travel through time as you flip each page. Explore my paintings and maybe they will inspire you to be a great artist!!

Meet Rosa Bonheur (Meet the Artist): In Meet Rosa Bonheur, you will meet an expert painter of animals! She can show you how to draw perfect fur and realistic poses. Enjoy her powerful cats and mighty stags. Then, use her tips to draw your own animals.

Meet Berthe Morisot (Meet the Artist): In Meet Berthe Morisot, you will meet a famous Impressionist who can teach you all about light, shadow, and contrast. How does she draw people so well? Study her soft paintings to find the answer. Then, draw someone you love and play with painting light and shadow!

Meet Georges Seurat (Meet the Artist): In Meet Georges Seurat, Seurat will explain his unique approach to art. What is Pointillism? And how can you use math, logic, and lots of dots to make beautiful paintings? Learn what makes his paintings special. Then, experiment with his techniques to draw nature and highlight lights and shadows!

Meet Edouard Manet (Meet the Artist): In Meet Edouard Manet, Manet will show you what it meant to be a modernist painter in the nineteenth century. What surprised people about his paintings? What did the world look like back then? Use Manet’s tips to draw the beauty of ordinary modern life!

Meet Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Meet the Artist): In Meet Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, you will meet a talented post-Impressionism artist. Who better to show you about depth and contour than this French artist? Can he show you how to draw curves and edges? Then, you can watch for contours around you and create art for yourself!

Ellie's Paris Adventure (Travel Through Art): Twelve-year-old Ellie Taylor dreams of traveling the world. She wants to experience life, not read about it in a textbook. Forced to study boring paintings for an art history exam, she finds herself transported to 19th Century Paris and the world of the French Impressionists. There, Ellie befriends the famous American artist, Mary Cassatt, who needs help finding her runaway dog, Batty. Ellie chases the dog throughout the city, which also introduces her to such famous places as the Louvre museum, Notre Dame cathedral, and the Paris Opera House. In the end, Ellie discovers art is not dull, but rather filled with grand adventures to places she may never visit otherwise.

Louise Bourgeois (Little People, BIG DREAMS): In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Louise Bourgeois, the inspiring French-American sculptor and installation artist.  When Louise was a little girl, her mother died. She learned to express her feelings through drawing – and when she grew up, she turned these drawings into sculpture, confronting her own fears through art. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the artist's life.

Louise Bourgeois: She Saw the World as a Textured Tapestry (What the Artist Saw): See the world through Louise Bourgeois’s eyes and be inspired to produce your own masterpieces.   Have you ever wondered exactly what your favorite artists were looking at to make them draw, sculpt, or paint the way they did? In this charming illustrated series of books to keep and collect, created in full collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you can see what they saw and be inspired to create your own artworks too. In What the Artist Saw: Louise Bourgeois, meet famous French American painter, printmaker, and sculptor Louise Bourgeois. Step into her life and learn what led her to explore her fears and emotions through her art. Learn all about her family and what inspired her to create her large spider sculptures. Have a go at producing your own art inspired by your dreams!

Bonus! Souvenirs from France for Kids

This adorable magnetic airplane toy by French company Janod is adorable and also great entertainment for travel and on-the-go. Janod is a French company that specializes in traditional games and wooden and cardboard toys.