"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)

Little Katie gets in the picture, when she climbs into Monet's paintings, joining boaters on the river and skipping through a field of poppies. In the garden at Giverny, she paints her own picture of the waterlily pond. Fun for younger kids. (Picture book)

Asterix and Obelix (carrying a menhir as a present for his cousin Metallurgix) journey to Lutetia (Paris), to find new golden sickle for the old druid. Bandits, snarling wolves in the Bois de Boulogne, conniving Romans, are child's play for the invincible pair. (Picture book)

Before you visit the Air and Space Museum, discover family life with Louis Bleriot, who flew across the English Channel in 1909. His first flying machine, Bleriot I, flaps like a chicken, Papa Bleriot flies Bleriot V in circles, Bleriot VI ends in a slight crash, but Bleriot XI soars across the water. A sparkling story, beautifully illustrated. (Picture book)