My 6 year old loves Paris.
Oh No No !! We have not been to Paris yet.
But it was the transportation through books that made her know about Paris. She knows that Eiffel Tower is the most famous in France and Franc is its currency.
This post is not about what she knows about Paris. Its about children's books that talk about places and its people. Exposure to such books makes children aware of cities and their countries; their people and the varied cultures. It makes them aware of finer nuances of different places, food habits, festivals and so much more. It not only makes them to have acceptance towards people who are different from us but also be curious about the variety. Without being academic about it, the children become aware of geographical, historical and cultural aspects of these places.
These curious questions from my LO made me make a list of children's picture books and other books that are specific to regions. We own some of the following books and others are in the TBR LIST
1. A Lion is Paris - A Picture book by Beatrice Alemagna
Age Recommendations - 3 +
No. of pages : 32
Good-reads rating - 4 stars
My rating - 5 starts
Its a exquisite picture book with richly textured story. A very adorable lion comes to Paris who is seeking excitement and opportunity. The lion is lonely, and then, scared by the big city makes this books tickle the sensitive side of the children. The book mentions the very trademark features of Paris - famous Parisian cafe, riding the Metro, and visiting Parisian landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. It also beautifully covers the Rains of Paris and how 'dull and grey' it becomes while raining capturing the true essence of the place. The mention (and illustrations) of baguettes encapsulates food of France. The mixed media illustrations have a retro nostalgic feel and would provide an interesting perspective for observant readers. The visuals of 'hat' and 'lace' clad women how aptly represents the 'Very French!' fashion capital of the world. The adorable lion , in the end, seats himself on a plinth at a famous square, which is the most popular square in Paris. Beatrice has how creatively used this lion in this amusing story which is sensitive yet curious.
The book was originally written in French and the original version is gigantic in size (14 x 11 inches). Apt for a reading session, I guess. However the English version is smaller and comfortable for the kids to hold themselves.
Background : Pierre Denfert-Rochereau [the French commander who organized the defense at the siege of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871)] was nicknamed as 'The Lion of Belfort'. A statue of Lion was installed in honour of this hero at the most popular square in Paris.
Review by my 6 year old : (starts reading the book)- The lion was very lonely and curious in his Savannah so he reached Paris without his luggage.
The book is available here and the Hard Cover version is available here . There is a Hindi version as well which is available here
2. Henri's Walks to Paris - A picture book by Bass collaborated with former librarian Leonore Klein on his only children’s book
Age Recommendation : 5+
Goodreads rating : 4.5 stars
My Rating : 7 stars
"An absolute gem like only Bass can deliver, at once boldly minimalist and incredibly rich, telling the sweet, aspirational, colorful story of a boy who lives in rural France and dreams of going to Paris." quote at brain pickings that resonates with me completely.
This book is a collectors item for its strikingly extraordinary graphics. The face of the protagonist is not shown. Only hand and legs. After reading it twice P asked me " Why is Henri's face not shown, how will we know who Henri is?" I said " You imagine him in your mind".
This story is fun and light. This very simple story makes the young readers compare the country-side of France to the metropolitan nature of Paris. The food, the friends and Henri and the people in the village of Henri are mentioned subtly mentioning the country life of France.
The Buses and the yellow bird, the church and everything else is simply going to keep you mesmerized till the end.
“Like many of us Henri wants to see Paris"
3.
A Walk in Paris – A Picture book by Salvatore Rubbino
Age recommendation : 5+
Good reads rating : 4.89 stars
Publishers Review : Paris - the most beautiful city in the world! The most romantic! It's the perfect place for a girl and her grandad to spend the day. Join them as they explore Paris's iconic landmarks and experience its culture and style first-hand: visit a traditional street market, climb to the top of Notre-Dame, wander through the Tuileries Gardens and gaze up at the Eiffel Tower. Salvatore Rubbino's friendly text and fresh, lively illustrations beautifully capture the delight of a young visitor experiencing the wonders of Paris - the City of Lights!
4. Paris in the Spring with Picasso - A book by Joan Yolleck Marjorie Priceman
Age Recommendation : 5-9 years
Good reads rating : 4.5 stars
Publishers Review : 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.
5.
This is Paris - A picture book by Miroslav Šašek
Age recommendation : 3-7 years
Good reads rating : 4.39 stars
Following on the runaway success of This is New York, Universe is thrilled to reissue two more titles from M. Sasek's beloved children's travel series: This is London and This is Paris.
Like This is New York and This is San Francisco, This is London and This is Paris are facsimile editions of Sasek's original titles. His brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved and remain true to his vision. With the passing of time facts have been updated where applicable in the back of each book. Perfect souvenirs with timely and nostalgic appeal, the books have an elegant, classic look and delightful narrative that will charm both children and their parents, many of whom will remember them from their own childhood.
This is Paris, first published in 1959, brings Paris, one of the most exciting cities in the world, to life. There are famous buildings, beautiful gardens, cafés, and the Parisians-artists, concierges, flower girls, and even thousands of cats. Take a tour along the banks of the Seine, through the galleries of the Louvre, and to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
6.
Eloise in Paris - A picture book by Kay Thompson (Author), Hilary Knight (Illustrator)
Age Recommendation : 4 -8 years
Good Reads Rating - 4.25 stars
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 book is available here
7.Madeline - A classic picture book by Ludwig Belemans
Age recommendation: 4-8 years
Good read rating : 4.5 stars
Our rating : 5 stars
Madeline is one of the best-loved characters in children's literature. Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1940 and has as much appeal today as it did then. The combination of a spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes Madeline a perennial favorite with children of all ages.
8. The invention of Hugo Cabret - a historical fiction by Brian Selznick
Age recommendation: 11+
Good read rating : 4.3
Publishers review: ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together...in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
This 526-page book is told in both words and pictures. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not exactly a novel, and it’s not quite a picture book, and it’s not really a graphic novel, or a flip book, or a movie, but a combination of all these things. Each picture (there are nearly three hundred pages of pictures!) takes up an entire double page spread, and the story moves forward because you turn the pages to see the next moment unfold in front of you.
9. The Red Balloon a Picturebook by A. Lamorisse
Age recommendation: 3 - 7 years
Good read rating : 4.3 stars
Publisher's review: A magical book that has become an enduring children's classic, The Red Balloon is the story of a young boy and his best friend--a bright red balloon. Chock-full of photographs of the boy, the balloon and the captivating city of Paris.
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year.
10. Marie in Paris - A Picturebook by Isabelle Pellegrini
Illustrator : Princesse Camcam
English translations: Lauren MoncharAge recommendation: 4 - 7 years
The books feature children in cities all over the world, and they are really well done. They beautifully describe each child’s life: what they do during the day, eat for breakfast, how they live and how they spend their free time. Marie de Paris identifies with little girls and the life she leads. The book captures the daily life of a little Parisian perfectly. The other books in the series are great too and really make kids realize how children in other cities live, perfect for multi-cultural children.
Also available on App store by ABC melody editions.
11.
Minette's Feast -The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat - A picture book by
Age Recommendation : 4 -8 years
Good Reads Rating - 3.89 stars
Publishers Review: 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.
