Oui, Oui: 9 Favorite Children’s Books Set in France

Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans
Of course, no list of French children’s books would be complete without this classic by Ludwig Bemelmans. A Caldecott Honor Book, Madeline has captivated children and adults since its first publication in 1939 with its melodic rhymes and unconventional illustrations. The story centers around Madeline, a plucky heroine who pooh-poohs the tiger at the zoo and isn’t afraid of mice or frightening Miss Clavel, the head of her boarding school. When poor Madeline becomes sick with appendicitis, she is rushed to the hospital to have the offending organ removed. After she awakens, she receives visits from her friends, who quickly decide, upon seeing the toys, candy, and a dollhouse in Madeline’s hospital room, that they want their appendixes out, too. The quirky story also provides children with a glimpse of some of Paris’s most famous sights—including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Opera House, Pont Neuf, the Tuileries Gardens and the Luxembourg Gardens—making it a great way to introduce children to the City of Light. Fans of Madeline will also appreciate the other books in the series, especially Madeline’s Rescue (another award-winner).

This is Paris, by Miroslav Sasek
Another great introduction to Paris for younger children, Miroslav Sasek’s classic work features vivid illustrations and a delightful narrative that brings the city to life. From the banks of the Seine, to the Louvre’s illustrious galleries, to the top of the Eiffel Tower, this book covers the city’s major sights in exceptionally detailed drawings that capture the rhythm of everyday life in these extraordinary settings. Not only will this book capture your child’s imagination, it will capture your heart as well.

Adèle & Simon, by Barbara McClintock
This adorable story is one of my favorite picture books to read aloud to my children. Set in early 20th century Paris, it follows Adèle and her brother Simon on their roundabout way home from school (remember when young children walked home alone from school?). Along the way, Simon manages to lose most of his belongings, despite his sister’s admonitions that he keep track of his things. What makes the story so engaging is finding the lost items among the elegant pen-and-ink illustrations that beautifully depict some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Notre Dame, the Jardin du Luxembourg, and the Louvre. There’s even a map showing the children’s route across the city, and an appearance by the legendary Edgar Degas and other artists.

The Lacemaker and the Princess, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
For the middle grade set, Kimberly Brubaker’s The Lacemaker and the Princess provides a wonderful introduction to life in 18th century France before the French Revolution, with numerous details about Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and life at the palace of Versailles incorporated into the story. Eleven-year-old Isabelle, who makes a meager living as a lacemaker, is abruptly thrown into the world of palace life when Princess Thérèse takes her as a playmate. Suddenly, Isabelle finds herself caught between two worlds—her impoverished life as a peasant, and the luxuries of court life she enjoys as the princess’s playmate. This book provides a fascinating look at 18th century France as seen through the eyes of a young girl.

Joan of Arc, by Diane Stanley
Another wonderful way to introduce children to French history is through Diane Stanley’s Joan of Arc, which tells the story of the young girl who led France’s fight for independence from Britain in a child-accessible format. The book not only provides insight into Joan’s life, but also explains the Hundred Years’ War and its effect on ordinary people. The story depicts important moments in pivotal battles as well as Joan’s subsequent trial, imprisonment and execution—all punctuated with Medieval-style illustrations that accurately portray the era’s cathedrals, landscapes, weaponry, costumes, and homes. This book is bound to stimulate your child’s interest in both its biographical subject and this turbulent historical period.

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, by Victor Hugo
Sacré bleu! Grab a croissant, don a beret and don’t even think about showing your kids this movie before they’ve read the book. Part of the Classic Starts series, this take on Victor Hugo’s classic provides a child-accessible version of this time-honored tale of a deformed bell ringer. Set in medieval Paris, it’s a must-read for any child before a visit to the city, but it’s worth a read even if they’ll never step foot in the city. Once you read this book, you will never look at Notre Dame in the same light again.

We Were Heroes: The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, a World War II Soldier, Normandy, France, 1944, by Walter Dean Myers
Written by award-winning author Walter Dean Myers, this book follows the story of Scott Pendleton Collins during World War II, from basic training to the invasion of Normandy and its aftermath. In relating the horrors and glories of war through the eyes of its young hero, it also provides good historical information about World War II, including maps and photographs. This book is a great option for kids who aren’t quite ready for battle stories like Saving Private Ryan quite yet.

The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas
This young reader’s edition of Alexandre Dumas’ classic swashbuckling tale follows a daring young swordsman who travels to Paris to join the king’s guard. He quickly befriends the Three Musketeers—Athos, Porthos and Aramis—and joins them in taking on street criminals, the cardinal’s guards, and others as they uncover a treasonous plot. Set in 17th century France and England, the book features both action and romance, so it will appeal to readers who enjoy either genre. Brett Helquist’s illustrations add visual appeal and enhance the action sequences, and the book maintains just enough of the sentence structure and language of the original to give readers an authentic taste of the time period.

The Castle Conundrum, by Franklin W. Dixon
Before we say adieu, I have to add one other classic story to the list. This one’s a fun one to introduce southern France to children who love mysteries. In this Hardy Boys classic, Frank and Joe head to a deserted town in the south of France to help build a center for refugee children. But when they get there, they’re warned that the local castle is haunted by a ghost who’s protecting diamonds buried within its walls. After some spooky frights and a couple of close shaves, the boys become convinced that someone is trying to sabotage the project. All they need to do is figure out who it is.
Voilà! C’est fini! Did I miss any you’d add to the list?