Discovering France through children's books

Books to subtly (or not so subtly) introduce your toddlers to all things French. Fellow francophiles, this one is for us.

It feels a bit ridiculous to admit this but, since becoming a parent, I have largely kept my interests to myself. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., our house is filled with children’s music. Our TV only plays kid’s shows. The only books I read are for audiences aged four and younger.

I am one of those moms who crams her adult life into the roughly three hours between when my kids and I go to bed. *le sigh*

Earlier this week, I did something crazy and turned on an episode of Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa while I made dinner. Ina’s calming voice instructing us to use good vanilla made the usually stressful 4-5 p.m. stretch so enjoyable for both my kids and me! If you need some background noise in the house that is adult- and child-friendly, I highly recommend. 🤗

One love that I have not hesitated to introduce to my children is my love of all things French. I have been a Francophile since as far back as I can remember, and I think it stemmed from very little things, like small mentions from both my parents of their high school French classes and my mom singing “Frère Jacques.” I was fascinated by the idea that you could say “please” and “thank you” in different ways.

I’m endeavoring to expose my little ones to the language and culture in similar small drips, beginning with these beloved reads:

“Escargot” by Dashka Slater

This one is so fun! A little snail takes a journey across a picnic table to accomplish two things: become your favorite animal and get to a salad with croutons and a light vinaigrette—and absolutely no carrots.

The book includes a smattering of French words and phrases like “au contraire” and “magnifique,” and I love the way the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books wrote their review: "Escargot’s voice is parfait, an airy blend of ego and need masterfully balanced in witty and well-turned sentences that leave plenty of room for audiences to get the joke.”

Read this and rethink everything you know about snails and carrots. ☺️

“Claris, the Chicest Mouse in Paris” by Megan Hess

Written and illustrated by an internationally known fashion illustrator, this sweet rhyming tale follows Claris, a little mouse from outside Paris, who dreams of moving to the city of lights to pursue her fashion dreams.

My two year old loves mice and the color pink, so she took to this book very quickly. Each page features beautiful art, and I’m planning to frame the last page (Claris looking out the window at the Eiffel Tower) in my daughter’s room.

“Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans (board book)

Yes, everyone has heard of “Madeline.” Maybe a true book recommender wouldn’t include it on this list, but my kids and I adore it, so here it is!

This board book version is slightly abridged (only a few lines and pictures are missing), but it is a great introduction to everyone’s favorite plucky heroine. And if you are like me, you will also buy your little one this Madeline treasury of original stories, so he or she will be all caught up on the little red head’s adventures.

If you have any favorite children’s books about France or introducing your children to French, please share in the comments!

Also please share how you include your children in your hobbies and interests. I am increasingly looking for activities my kids and I can do together that we will all equally enjoy!

There are only two places in the world where we can live happy—at home and in Paris. —Ernest Hemingway

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