4 Books Celebrating Bastille Day

Bastille Day is the national day of France, celebrating the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 as well as the Fête de la Fédération, which celebrated the unity of the French people July 14, 1790. Get in the celebratory spirit with these great kids books…

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that have charmed readers for over 75 years.

Everybody Bonjours! by Leslie Kimmelman. Shop a fancy France-y store. Eat a pretty petit four. Discover! Sightsee! Explore! On this fun and friendly tour, everybody says “Bonjour!” Whether at a soccer stadium (“players scoring”), a crêpe stand (“batter pouring”), or strolling the Champs d’ Elysee (where folks “bonjour” in every store), a little girl and her family are welcomed everywhere with the signature French greeting.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Combining Richard Howard's translation with restored original art, this definitive English-language edition of The Little Prince will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.

This is Paris by Miroslav Sasek. Take a tour along the banks of the Seine, or through the galleries of the Louvre, or to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  Readers explore Paris’s famous buildings, its beautiful gardens, the museums, the sidewalk cafes, and the people who live there -- artists, the concierges, the flower girls, and even the thousands of cats.