From L’Alliance New York’s Library: 5 French Books for La Rentrée

Our trusty librarians at L’Alliance New York’s Haskell Library always have an ace recommendation up their sleeves (case in point: their favorite books for learning French). In the spirit of a season filled with beach vacations and long weekends, we asked them to curate the best breezy, entertaining books for readers of all ages—check out one (or all!) of their five picks, then stop by the library for more custom-chosen French books to add to your list.

For Young Readers

Hekla et Laki by Marine Schneider

With detailed illustrations and stunning colors, this poetic picture book for early readers tells the story of two Icelandic volcanoes and how they came to be in each other’s lives.  

The Ariol Series by Emmanuel Guibert

A clever children’s comic series, these French books chronicle the adventures of Ariol, a little donkey. His best friend is a pig, his gym teacher is a rooster, and he’s in love with a cow. In short, he’s just like you and me! The Haskell Library has recently acquired many new additions to this outstanding and charmingly illustrated bande-dessinée series, so now’s the perfect time to dive in.

For All Ages

Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Everybody knows this story, sure—it’s the cornerstone of any proper French course. But when was the last time you read it—really read it? This summer, we invite you to plunge once more into Saint-Exupéry’s masterfully crafted, beautifully pensive, bittersweet tale. It’s the kind of book that grows with you, so there’s no telling what new revelations you might stumble upon. A fantastic experience for readers of all levels.

For Adults

L’orageuse by Jessica L. Nelson

This historical fiction story is inspired by the fascinating life of French poet and writer Louise Colet. Colet was beautiful, vibrant, and brilliant—she was the inspiration behind Gustave Flaubert’s 1857 novel Madame Bovary and she had many famous lovers, among them: Flaubert, Alfred de Musset, and Alfred de Vigny. She supported herself and her daughter with her work, defended the rights of women and the cause of the République, and entertained contemporaries including Victor Hugo at her salon.

The Cahiers d’Esther Series by Riad Sattouf

By the author of the acclaimed 2015 graphic memoir L’Arab du futur, this ten-part graphic novel series follows the spirited life of a clever girl, Esther, as she navigates the rocky years of her childhood and adolescence. Esther is inspired by the daughter of Sattouf’s friends—the series begins with her at age nine and follows her until age 18.

Along with over 25,000 French books, magazines, DVDs, and digital resources for readers and listeners of all ages, L’Alliance New York’s Haskell Library is also offering a fun summer BINGO activity for children, tweens, and teens through August 31. Pick up a BINGO sheet at the library (on the second floor of L’Alliance New York) for your shot at a prize—the first five participants to complete the reading-based BINGO game will win fun L’Alliance New York swag!