Recommendation

Every week, our Librarian Renée will share with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Recommendations are found at Culturethèque Digital library. Register here for the Alliance Française member benefit. Join today!

Ages 3+

Ce livre est pour toi by Francesca Chessa

A young girl imagines a life of limitless possibilities–full of big plans, along with simple everyday pleasures. Dream big and explore. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Ages 5+

Le restaurant pour chats by François Chetchuti et Beatrice Egemar

Anita realizes her dream of opening a refined restaurant for cats. Conflicts ensues when someone opens up a common cantine for dogs across the street. The characters come to learn the importance of open-mindedness. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Learner B1 / Youth – Adult

Lucas sur la route by Léo Lamarche

Lucas wonders what is next for him, now that he has received his baccalauréat degree. He sets out to the Alps on a voyage of adventure and self-reflection. Perfect for the times. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult Learners – Multi-level

Elle à table – Magazine

Gain inspiration for summer recipes by digitally thumbing through the pages of current issues of this magazine. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Intermediate

Around the world in 80 Days by Jules Verne

Written by an original founder of the Alliance Française in France, this adventure story follows the escapades of the mysterious English gentleman, Phileas Fogg, who sets out on a dare to travel the world in eighty days–encountering many modern (for the time) marvels along the way. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Advanced

Entre Les Murs by François Bégaudeau (2006)

Drawing on his experience’s working in an inner-city Parisian school, Bégaudeau writes the modern street French that you may never have seen before. The pace is quick, immersive, and the story is non-linear–as are the lives of the characters it portrays. The novel was adapted into a movie by the same name (The Class / Entre les murs) that won the 2008 Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

Every week, our Librarian Renée will share with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Recommendations are found at Culturethèque Digital library. Register here for the Alliance Française member benefit. Join today!

Preschool – Ages 3+

Picouli by Clotilde Bernosol

A boy reaches out to a lonely bird in this story about the universality of friendship. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Beginner A1 / Youth – Adult

Gustave in Paris by Doris Barbier-Neumeister and Lauré Girardin-Vissian (2017)

Perfect for beginning French learners, this fun, light read follows two friends as they discover Paris. Written for youth, adult readers will benefit from the straightforward vocabulary and grammar. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult Learners – Multi-level

Les Inrockuptibles

Looking to keep up to date on the latest in the French cultural scene? This hip magazine covers all the latest in film, music, literature, politics, and more. Skim the articles and photos, as a quick way to be in the know– even for those who are not yet fluent.  Culturethèque Digital Library.

Intermediate

Le pays des autres by Leïla Slimani (2020)

Set in Morocco in the 1950s period of decolonization, the novel covers the story of the writer’s own maternal grandparents. The Prix Goncourt winning author (Chanson Douce, 2016) is a journalist, writer, and a French Diplomat as ambassador to the Organisation international de la francophonie. We are thrilled that she is quoted as saying, “My country is language. My country is library. In a library, I feel at home anywhere.” Culturethèque Digital Library.

Advanced

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1844)

Considered a literary classic, the adventure story unfolds during the historical period 1815–1839: the Bourbon Restoration era through the reign of Louis-Philippe. There are many twists, turns, and much tumult–as a wrongfully imprisoned man escapes from jail, and sets about seeking revenge on his false accusers. Culturethèque Digital Library. E-book.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

Every week, our Librarian Renée will share with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Recommendations are found at Culturethèque Digital library. Register here for the Alliance Française member benefit. Join today!

Preschool

Cache-cache by Agnès de Lestrade and Juliette Boulard

Cocotte plays a game of hide-‘n-seek with animal friends and discovers that things are not always as they seem. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Kids – Ages 7+

L’enfant et les étoiles by Xavier Armange and Juan Hernaz

Grandmother and grandchild out on a night time nature walk together encounter a lovely seagull. They imagine the fantastical adventures it would have if only it flew freely throughout the universe. Intergenerational connection, and the power of imagination. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Teens / Adult Learners

Le monde des ados by Fleurus

Enjoy all the latest news on contemporary issues of interest to teens: fashion, culture, current technology, and much more. Geared to age-appropriate readers, it is also an excellent way for French students to learn new vocabulary  Culturethèque Digital Library.

Beginner to Intermediate Level

Les misérables by Victor Hugo (1862) ; Hachette Français Facile, Volumes 1-3

An edited, condensed, and re-imagined adaptation of Hugo’s original masterpiece–the all-time literary classic and social commentary with themes that resonate today. At 200+ pages, the volumes can be considered a warm up to the actual work that weighs in at over 1400 pages. Culturethèque Digital Library. Audiobook.

Intermediate to Advanced

Le sanglot de l’homme noir by Alain Mabanckou (2012)

The award-winning author–born in Congo and who teaches literature at UCLA– explores the challenges facing black people in the world today. Mabanckou examines the legacy of slavery and colonialism, while distancing himself from some accepted narrative. A thought provoking read. Culturethèque Digital Library. 

Advanced

Madame Bovary by Flaubert (1856)

A beautiful young woman, desperate to escape her mundane provincial life, throws caution to the wind in the attempt. Considered Flaubert’s masterpiece, prosecutors initially attacked the work for its less-than-discreet content. Due in part to the controversy, it was an immediate bestseller. A bit of a cautionary tale. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschool – 3+ / French Level: Beginner

Une touche de by Laurie Cohen and Marjorie Béal

Time for a little art refresher. Learn (or remember) all about mixing colors in this fun book that encourages creative exploration. Culturethèque Digital Library, Storyplayr audiobook.

Ages 5+ / French Level: Easy – Intermediate

Pourquoi ? Pourquoi ? Pourquoi ? Les animaux by Coline Desclides et Laurence Bernaert

Learn the answer to many pressing questions about the natural world. While geared to children, adult learners will enjoy new vocabulary along with listening to familiar everyday French. Culturethèque Digital Library, Storyplayr audiobook.

Adult Interest / French Level: A2 – Beginner

Les couleurs primaires by Mélissa Verreault

Step out of the mundane with this light read. Set in Montreal, it follows Camille’s humorous adventures in her quest for happiness. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 10 -14 / Adult ; French Level:  Intermediate – Youth/Adult Interest

Un rêve pour trois by Lena Sayaphoum et Jérôme Hamon Pourquoi

This first volume of a beautifully illustrated bande dessinée is the story of two sisters who hope to make it into the prestigious ballet school at the Opéra de Paris. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult Interest / French Level:  Intermediate – Advanced

Au revoir là-haut by Pierre Lemaitre et Chrisitian de Metter

The bande dessinée version of the Prix-Goncourt winning historical novel that was also made into a film. Set in France during WWI, the story follows the travails of a soldier and his quest for justice and redemption. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschooler – Ages 3+

Je serai Empereur ! by Tulio Corda, edited by Lirabelle

Not satisfied by his mother’s answer to questions about his future, a young chick seeks to convince his barnyard friends that he is destined for greatness. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library, with Storyplyr audiobook option.

Ages 5 – 10

Le Cerisier by Alba Garcia-Puig, Edited by Ane bâté éditions

This computer game is a combined environmental-science and French lesson. Suitable for children, it highlights current planetary environmental challenges. (Not an escapist adventure) Some French knowledge is required for instructions. Multiple choice, fill in the blank. French: beginner. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 9 – 12/Adult – A1 – French Language Learning

CONCERT EN BRETAGNE / Concert in Brittany –  Cécile Talguen, edited by Clé international

Young readers and adult learners will enjoy this adventure mystery story set in Brittany. The fun easy read introduces lots of new vocabulary–and it is set in an ideal place, for those dreaming of escape to vacation getaways. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult – B1/B2 – French Language Learning

Candide, ou L’Optimisme par Voltaire

Feeling ambitious? Settle in to read this literary classic–offered in two versions on Culturethèque. A stinging satire, Voltaire’s social commentary from 1789 has much to say about the social ills of its day. Learners of French will enjoy the Hachette version, with sound. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult – C1/C2 – French Language Learning

Chanson Bretonne, suivi de l’enfant et la Guerre by J.M.G Le Clézio edited by Editions Gallimard – 2020

A new release by a brilliant Nobel-Prize-winning author, this nostalgic escapist literature will transport you to Brittany of another time. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschooler – Ages 3+

La Cuisine de Gudule by Fanny Joly and Rose Capdevila

A precocious girl and her baby brother surprise busy parents with a most delicious dinner concoction. Set in simpler-yet-hectic times. Read-aloud. French: beginner/intermediate.  Storyplayer Audiobook. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 5 – 10

Escape Game: Ma Petite Planète edited by the Institut Français

This computer game is a combined environmental-science and French lesson. Suitable for children, it highlights current planetary environmental challenges. (Not an escapist adventure) Some French knowledge is required for instructions. Multiple choice, fill in the blank. French: beginner. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 9 – 12

Le Monde de Milo by Richard Marazano and Christophe Ferreira.

Join Milo as he explores the many adventures at his riverside wilderness escape. Selected for the Prix de Jeunesse at the Festival Angouleme in 2014, this beautifully-illustrated book is an easy and engaging story. Adults will also enjoy this book. French: beginner to intermediate. Culturethèque Digital Library. This trailer sets the tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD3BbL8KP8A

Adult – A1 – French Language Learning

Français Langue Etrangère: Online Learning Module edited by Toutapprendre.

This self-paced learning course is designed for beginning students who are new to French. A great way to test the waters in preparation for formalized instructor-led classes. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschooler

Qui a vu l’ours? by Jean Alessandrini et Sophie Kniffke  

Preschoolers learn their colors with the help of an adorable white bear. In French, Culturethèque Digital Library, Storyplayer Audiobook.

Ages 6 – 9 – Difficulty: Beginner

Les aventures d’Albert et Folio : An heureux évènement by Didier Eberle et André Treper

A pair of house cats await a new arrival. Digital Book, In French. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adults / Children- Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate

Le petit Nicolas by Goscinny

Escapist adventure stories focus on Nicolas and friends, following their escapades in idyllic 1950s France. Written for children, the series is also entertaining for adults.  Simple vocabulary and sentence structure. In French. Available in the Library.

Adults – Difficulty: Intermediate

Ghost in love : novel by Marc Levy ; illustrated by Pauline Lévêque

Impossible adventures unfold as a son drops everything to fulfill the wishes of his father who returns as a ghost. A story of the power of love, grief, and resilience. In French. Available in the Library.

Adults – Difficulty : Advanced

Le mythe de Sisyphe : essai sur l’absurde / Mythe of Sisyphe by Albert Camus

A classic philosophical discussion of the condition of man. Surprisingly optimistic in its eventual conclusion, it remains heavy reading nonetheless. Available in the Library. Check with the librarian for online versions.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!