Irresistible journey of a cat through France, past chateaux and shaded canals, dodging cars in Paris, roaming across lavender fields, to return to his home – a stone house by the edge of the sea. Fabulous double-page illustrations. (Picture book)

The Mona Lisa Caper
Rick Jacobson, Laura Fernandez

"Hanging on the wall year after year isn't as easy you might think." Totally captivating story of the Mona Lisa theft, told by the painting herself. She understands why Vincenzo Perugia thought the Mona Lisa should go back to Italy, and how he lifted the painting from the Louvre. Based on true events, this story is a gem, beautifully illustrated.
(Picture book)

Paris, old and new – two Arc de Triomphes, the oldest church and oldest bridge in Paris, 1,665 steps to climb the Eiffel tower, pleasure boats on the Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral, bistros and cafés, Street of the Fishing Cat, and more. Whimsical illustrations, fun facts, this is a classic. (Picture book)

Take a walk with Adele and her little brother Simon on their way home from school, stopping at a street market, the Jardin du Luxembourg, a patisserie, the Louvre, and everywhere, Simon forgets something. Flavored with watercolor illustrations of Paris a century ago, this is an absolutely delightful tour around the city. (Picture book)

Joan of Arc – her youth in a country village, the great siege of Orleans (the English are sent packing), miraculous victories in the Loire. Richly illustrated in the style of medieval manuscripts. (Picture book)

Classic swashbuckling, swords-flashing adventure of d'Artagnan and the musketeers, sworn to protect King Louis. The musketeers uncover a plot by the scheming Milady de Winter and Cardinal Richelieu to betray the queen. Fun for new readers. (Easy reader)

Kids will also enjoy reading The Three Musketeers abridged version, and the sequel, The Man in the Iron Mask. (Chapter book)

Isabelle is a young lacemaker, but she also plays at Versailles with the daughter of Marie Antoinette, the princess Therese. The life of luxury in the palace is quite different from Isabelle’s, lavish meals, fine clothes, pony riding and playing in the gardens, but change is coming to France. A super novel of life at Versailles. (Chapter book)

The story of France's greatest general, Napoleon Bonaparte. "I promised you brilliant successes!" he said after his first victory, and went on to lead armies across the European continent. Rich historical illustrations of the time. (Picture book)

Passing through a village, three hungry soldiers cleverly outwit the stingy peasants into sharing their food in a delicious "stone soup." Classic retelling of this old French tale. (Picture book)

Easy-to-read version of this 19th century classic – Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, raises a poor orphan, Cosette; all the while, he is relentlessly pursued by harsh police inspector Javert. Gripping climax in the sewers of Paris. (Easy reader)

Dancing Through Fire (Portraits series)
Kathryn Lasky

Step into 1870, as France is invaded by Prussia. Sylvie Bertrand yearns to advance in the Paris Opera Ballet, but there's no food to eat, an ethereal ballerina vanishes, and her older sister has joined the rebellious communards. An absorbing novel that weaves together historical events, art, and the world of Paris at that time. (Chapter book)

Pictorial history of the Impressionists, artists Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, Cezanne, Seurat, Gaugin, plus 21 activities – paint the sky like Monet, cut out paper water lilies, bake cookies with sprinkles like Seurat, and learn how to spot each artist's work. Filled with lots of Impressionist paintings, good for older kids. (Chapter book, with illustrations)

"Flowers in the spring, trees against the blue sea." Claude Monet's own words, paired with his paintings, are a magical combination. Poetic phrases focus on light and nature in each picture – the morning mist, a passing cloud, red sunset like a fireball – make the paintings really come alive. A fabulous book for all ages, kids and adults alike. (Picture book)

Katie Meets the Impressionists
James Mayhew

Little Katie gets in the picture, when she climbs into an Impressionist painting, and joins the family eating lunch in the garden. She picks a bouquet to bring back, but her adventures have only begun. A delightful story about paintings you'll see in Paris – The Luncheon and Fields of Poppies by Monet, and The Blue Dancers by Degas, and fun for little kids. (Picture book)

Elegant Coco Chanel was always different – orphaned as a child, she made dolls out of scraps of fabric, and turned her imagination and talent into clothes that everyone wanted to wear. Fun, free-spirited illustrations! (Picture book)

Monsieur Saguette's trip to the bakery is full of adventure, in this whimsical tale of a delicious baguette. With the baguette, Monsieur rescues at cat in a tree, wedges it into an alligator's jaws, disarms a robber and saves himself from a flooding street. Playfully illustrated. (Picture book)

Anatole was the most contented mouse in France, until he discovered people didn't like mice in their homes. But Anatole had a brilliant idea – mice are the best judges of cheese, so he became the secret taster at the Duval Cheese Factory. This is a family favorite! (Picture book)

Hot Air
Marjorie Priceman

It's September, 1783, and everyone's gathered at Versailles to see a new hot-air balloon with three passengers on board – a duck, a sheep, and a rooster. Hilarious and unexpected adventures of the animals on their flight over the French countryside. Exuberant illustrations, a delight for little ones. (Picture book)

Let's Learn French Coloring Book
Anne-Francoise Pattis

Loads of pictures to color – from l'arbre (tree) to le bateau (boat), le chat (cat), la fleur (flower), seasons of the year, days of the week, animals and food. (Coloring book)

Fun illustrated overview of France – maps and regions, a typical French town, school life, what the French like to eat and drink, history, famous places and festivals, useful French words. (Picture book)

Et voilà les petits,
Et voilà les gros,
Et voilà les petits patés tout chauds.
Listen and look at this charming book of French rhymes – on the farm, around the market, in the house, at the cafe – delightfully illustrated.
(Book + CD)