I’ve been dreaming about visiting Paris someday, so I thought we could all dream together with some picture books set in the City of Light, each with its own special flair.
Come see!
Tricky Vic: The Impossibly True Story of The Man Who Sold The Eiffel Tower by Greg Pizzoli.
Just out this spring, Tricky Vic is a non-fiction book like no other. Instead of profiling an inspirational hero, this one tells the story of a con artist. And it’s very entertaining! And while not set entirely in Paris, the main episode referred to in the title takes place there—Vic’s attempt to sell the Eiffel Tower to someone in order to tear it down. Twice. (I’m giving away a copy if you scroll down. Woo hoo!)
Madame Martine by Sarah S. Brannen.
I’ll just go ahead and tell you I love this book. It’s about a woman who is used to her routine but is inspired to change because of a stray dog. And the payoff is pretty wonderful. Sunset at the top of the Eiffel Tower wonderful. (I’m giving away a copy of this gem as well!)
Come With Me to Paris by Gloria Fowler, illustrated by Min Heo.
A rhyming romp through the sights of the city. So graphic, colorful, and charming!
A Walk in Paris by Salvatore Rubbino.
This one shows the landmarks of Paris as well, but with a girl’s grandfather as guide. So sweet.
Paris Chien by Jackie Clark Mancuso.
Hudson the expat dog narrates this charmer as he makes his way in Paris for the first time. And there’s a follow-up book just out in which Hudson travels to Provence!
This is Paris by M. Sasek.
A perfect historical portrait of Paris in the 60s. (See my post on This Is Hong Kong in the series too.)
An Armadillo in Paris by Julie Kraulis.
This one reads as travel diary, penned by an armadillo! It also sees the sights, but at its heart is a mystery about The Iron Lady’s identity.
The Secret Circus by Johanna Wright.
Mice have a turn this time, traveling via tiny hot air balloon to a secret show, tucked away in Paris. Charming, magical, still, and satisfying.
A Lion in Paris by Beatrice Alemagna.
This is one you get for the mixed media artwork, which is wow! And more to distinguish it? The book is oriented vertically, giving us a fresh perspective.
Ooh-lala, Max in Love by Maira Kalman.
Because, Maira Kalman, right? And a second dog in Paris book. And it is so so so sophisticated and loads of fun.
Enter below for a chance to win a copy of Tricky Vic & Madame Martine! Two very different Eiffel Tower-centric picture books set in Paris to one lucky winner!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Those all look great! Stuff You Missed in History Class covered “tricky Vic” in their podcast on historical hoaxes…it’s a fantastic story and hard to believe it’s real! I love there there’s a book.
I loved all of Paris, but visiting Napoleon’s tomb (and the Eiffle Tower) stands out.
I own An Armadillo in Paris and I think it’s just darling. This is a great list!
I love The Secret Circus, and I’m glad to see it on your list! I visited Paris twice, but in high school, with my German class. I’m sure I only saw a tiny bit of the city, but I loved seeing Paris from high on the Euffel Tower, and sitting on the steps outside the Paris Opera, eating lunch and daydreaming about The Phantom of the Opera.
The Secret Circus is new to me. I’ll have to look for it.
Gaston!
I’m not able to go on holiday so this picture book will be a great way to feel as if I’m in Paris
Love “Adele & Simon” by Barbara McClintock which showcases the Jardin du Luxembourg (my favorite place in Paris) beautifully.
Oh, that’s new to me so I’ve just put it on hold at the library. Thanks, Josh!
We’ve only been to “Paris” at Disneyworld’s Epcot, but also enjoy Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” My wife is also a HUGE Paris fan!
Oh my gosh this is an AWESOME stack of Parisian-themed books!!! I’ve read a few of these and I am really crossing my fingers on this one. 🙂 My favorite place to visit in Paris was along the river…the book flea market!! I could have spent an entire week just roaming along there. Sigh. <3
Sarah M
Sounds amazing!! Adding to list of things to do there someday. 🙂
You know, I just love your blog. You always find the coolest books to spotlight. And Paris! Who doesn’t love Paris?!
Going to add these to my TBR library request list. And would love to add ANY of these to my “OWN library” pile. Thanks!
Thank you, Jilanne!! This blog and I love you right back. 🙂
One of my favorite classic Paris-themed books is Madeleine!
I just read Tricky Vic and loved it–what a fun story. I’d have to say that the classic, Madeline, is still one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading Madame Martine!
You’re so right. Madeline is THE classic PB set in Paris!
One of my girls favorite books is Madeline, we also love A Walk in Paris. I have never been either, but one of my first stops when I do get to go is going to be Shakespeare and Co.
I have been so excited to read Tricky Vic! Our library just got it in, and there’s already a long hold list for it!
Amy, it’s really like nothing else. You’ll see. 🙂
Just read a new one set in Paris called William and the Missing Masterpiece by Helen Hancocks. it was excellent!
Oh yes, I just heard about that one. A cat, right? I’ll keep an eye out for it. Thanks, Lauri!
So fun Danielle!! I am partial to the Come With Me to Paris cover. 😉
Hehehe. It’s so Bonnie!!
I love Maira Kalman’s Max books! I also love the illustrations by Kristi Valiant in Pretty Minnie in Paris by Danielle Steel.
Such a wonderful list! Thanks for all you do to spread picture book love.
These books all look charming!
I love Paris and dream of returning. I also love these selections-thanks! Haven’t put my hands on a copy of Tricky Vic yet but can’t wait to!
This is Paris by M. Sasek is my fav! I borrowed it from the library after reading one of your posts. I was fascinated by his illustrations! I will definitely add these and the suggestions from the readers’ comments to my library request list. I’m excited! Thank you Danielle!
My pleasure, Florence! Yeah, my blog readers are the best! 🙂
Any little sidewalk cafe eating a pastry and drinking a hot chocolate!
Picture and books about Abbe Sieyes!
I was in Paris exactly one year ago today. I remember being at the top of the Eiffel Tower being slightly disappointed in the view… So silly but it didn’t feel like I was looking at Paris when I couldn’t see the tower in the skyline. It inspired me to take some beautiful pictures of the shadow of the tower. Some of my favorites from my trip ♥️
Oooh! These are lovely!!
Just finished the last day of school and I could take a trip to the City of Love so easily right now with a glass of wine and a loaf of fresh bread. This Picture Book Life, take me away!!!
🙂 I’m sure you deserve it!
I would love all of these books for my library!
Such a great list! And I was just thinking about Paris! Off to the library I go!
P.S. Fav picture book about Paris: Madeline. Okay, now I can go to the library!
I also absolutely love Agee’s The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau
Thanks for adding another Parisian title, Bethany!
Can’t wait to read this book 🙂 always wanted to visit the lock bridge in Paris
I love Paris, and would love to read these books to my grandson!
Great list. Loved reading Tricky Vic. Will have to check-out the others.
Great list! Thank you for sharing! Loved Tricky Vic.
Would love to win Tricky Vic for my son!
The first half of “Little Miss Liberty” is also set in Paris. 🙂