We are big fans of the public library but there is something special about having your own library in French.
This is a collection of books that you can come back to, time and time again. Here are some recommendations to help you build your own library in French.
The Balthazar collection by Marie-Hélène Place
Bébé Balthazar (published by Hatier) is a collection of books inspired by the Montessori teaching philosophy. These cute books include the Balthazar character and his little bear, Pepin (literally translated means «fruit pip»). Together they learn how to write, count, read … They discover colours, sounds and the world around them. The stories are mainly true-to-life with a touch of British-Belgian quirkiness. These books are perfect for babies (6 months) upwards.
The author, Marie-Hélène Place, was born in Brussels, grew up in London and studied in Paris. She was particularly interested in the Montessori method of teaching and dyslexia. All her books encourage child-centred learning.
T’choupi : a cute penguin for your library in French
Another good addition for a library in French is a book from the T’choupi collection by Thierry Courtin (published by Nathan). Again these books are for very young children. After studying art and design at college, Courtin worked for several publishing houses before creating the character T’choupi, a cute boy penguin. The simple illustrations are very appealing to younger children.
365 Penguins (penguins again!) by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joelle Jolivet
Another favourite for our library in French is 365 Penguins. Fromental is the French author of about thirty books, including comics. Jovilet is an internationally acclaimed illustrator.
This book can be enjoyed from the age of 2 upwards but is really mostly appreciated by older children (Key Stage 1 and upwards: CP and CE1 in France) It is a book that your child will want to read over and over again.
A family find a penguin mysteriously delivered to their door every day of the year. However the family quickly has to find solutions and places to keep all the penguins.
Young (and older!) readers will adore this book. The illustrations, in orange, black, blue and white are very distinctive. There is a strong educational focus to this book, as children are encouraged to count the penguins (multiplication tables anyone?) and think about the profound sociological meaning behind the story. There is the added fun of looking for Chilly the little penguin with blue feet, on each page and a surprise visitor at the end.
Share your suggestions from your own library in French?
Originally posted 2015-04-16 17:00:57.
