If you are looking for engaging and meaningful French picture books for la rentrée scolaire, I have an awesome selection for you today.
This blog post is the fourth in a series in which I share my favourite French picture books. The first featured French picture books with Muslim and/or Arab characters. I have also written a similar blog post with French picture book recommendations with Black characters. Lastly, I have a blog post with a wonderful selection of French picture books with Asian characters.
Where should you purchase these French picture books from?
I encourage you to purchase from your local independent bookstores. One of my favourite bookstores is located a block away from my school.
I will be linking all of these books through Les Libraires which is an independent bookstore in Québec.
Comme tu es – Margaret O’Hair & Sofia Cardoso
This first French picture book for la rentrée scolaire is inspired by Sofia Sanchez who has Down Syndrome.
This story is about being different and how diversity is beautiful. This French picture book is about accepting and embracing differences.
Themes: acceptance, diversity, kindness
French level: intermediate
About the book: A French translation of an English original
Moi aussi, je peux – Karen Autio & Laura Watson
The next French picture book for la rentrée scolaire is a short and heartwarming story of Leanne who can do all of the things her peers can do, only in her wheelchair.
The sentence structures are very simple and repetitive.
This French picture book is perfect for la rentrée scolaire, because it’s important for kids to see that one action can be done in many different ways, depending on our abilities.
Themes: acceptance, different abilities, friendships
French level: high novice
About the book: A French translation of an English original
Bienvenue – un livre sur l’inclusion – Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
Bienvenue – un livre sur l’inclusion is about everyone being welcome and safe at school. The book affirms that no matter your background, everyone has a place at school.
The sentence “tout le monde est bienvenue” repeats very frequently.
At the very end, you see all different types of families coming in to the school for Open House. Beautiful!
I could not find a more perfect French picture book for la rentrée scolaire!
Themes: acceptance, diversity, safety, belonging
French level: high novice
About the book: A French translation of an English original
Comment être gentil – Rana DiOrio & Stéphane Jorisch
Comment être gentil begins with the question “Être gentil, c’est quoi?”. The author talks about what being nice looks like in the classroom and at school.
One of my favourite lines in the book is “Être gentil, c’est avoir le courage de traiter les autres comme tu souhaites être traité”.
Themes: kindness, making good choices
French level: high novice
About the book: A French translation of an English original
Tu y arriveras – Angela DiTerlizzi & Lorena Avarez
La rentrée scolaire can be exciting for some of our students and terrifying for others. Despite our best efforts, school and learning can be very challenging for some of our learners.
Tu y arriveras is an encouraging book about not giving back. In the story we are taught the word “perseverance” and what it means.
Themes: persevering, hope
French level: high intermediate (mostly present tense, a little futur simple and some imparfait)
About the book: A French translation of an English original
I hope you find these 5 beautiful French picture books for la rentrée scolaire helpful!
