10+ Best Books About Paris for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect escape to the City of Lights without leaving your home? Our curated selection of books about Paris for 10-year-olds is the ticket! Whether your young reader dreams of exploring quaint streets, experiencing vibrant culture, or embarking on exciting adventures, these books will transport them straight to the heart of Paris. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the perfect Parisian adventure for your child.

Fun Books About Paris for 10-Year-Olds

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Picture book
  • Synopsis: Set in picturesque Paris, this charming story follows Madeline, a brave and spirited girl who lives in a boarding school. The tale captures her adventures and misadventures with her classmates under the watchful eye of Miss Clavel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful introduction to Paris through the eyes of an adventurous child, making it relatable and enjoyable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories of adventure and spirited protagonists.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning novel, told through a combination of text and illustrations, follows Hugo, an orphan boy who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a peculiar automaton.
  • Why we recommend this book: The unique blend of text and artwork makes it an engaging read, perfect for keeping young readers interested while immersively transporting them to historical Paris.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mysteries and visually driven storytelling.

• Charlotte in Paris by Joan MacPhail Knight, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Diary fiction
  • Synopsis: Through the format of a diary, this book recounts the experiences of Charlotte, a young American girl who spends a year in Paris with her family. Readers explore famous landmarks, French art, and culture through her eyes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a vivid and educational portrayal of Parisian life and art, encouraging cultural appreciation and a love for travel.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about other cultures and those who dream of traveling.

• Anatole by Eve Titus, illustrated by Paul Galdone
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Anatole is a resourceful and honorable mouse living in Paris. He decides to improve his life by tasting the cheese at a cheese factory and leaving notes on how to improve it, becoming a secret taste tester.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and whimsical tale that highlights themes of innovation and integrity, all set against the backdrop of Paris.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with clever animals and a touch of adventure.

• Adele & Simon by Barbara McClintock
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Picture book
  • Synopsis: Follow the day-to-day adventures of a sister and brother duo, Adele and Simon, in early 20th century Paris as they journey home from school. Simon tends to lose his belongings along the way, and Adele must help him find them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates a seek-and-find element within the story, making it interactive while showcasing various historical Parisian landmarks.
  • Perfect for: Children who love interactive reading and learning about history in a fun way.

Educational Books About Paris for 10-Year-Olds

• Kiki and Coco in Paris by Nina Gruener, illustrated by Stephanie Rausser
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story follows a girl named Kiki and her cloth doll, Coco, as they explore Paris together, experiencing the beauty and culture of the city.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the essence of Paris through vivid photography and a touching narrative, making it a visually and emotionally engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and adventures in new places.

• Everybody Bonjours! by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Sarah McMenemy
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This lively book takes readers on a tour of Paris, greeting everyone with a cheerful "Bonjour!" as they visit various famous sights and enjoy the city's attractions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, basic French language, geographical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent introduction to the French language and Parisian culture, presented in a fun and accessible way for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in learning new languages and those who like vibrant, energetic stories.

• Henri’s Walk to Paris by Leonore Klein, illustrated by Saul Bass
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Picture book
  • Synopsis: Henri, a young boy from a small town, dreams of visiting Paris. One day, he decides to make the journey on foot, leading to a series of charming adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, determination, understanding of urban and rural differences
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple yet profound narrative, combined with iconic graphic illustrations by Saul Bass, offers a unique visual and literary experience.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and aspiring adventurers, as well as fans of classic graphic design.

• Dodsworth in Paris by Tim Egan
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Dodsworth and his mischievous duck companion travel to Paris, where they explore the city and its famous landmarks while trying to stay out of trouble.
  • Skills and subjects this and book improves: Reading comprehension, cultural landmarks, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with travel, offering an entertaining and educational look at Paris through the eyes of an engaging duo.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories and learning about different places in an amusing way.

Challenging Books About Paris for 10-Year-Olds

• The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a young boy named Pascal who discovers a sentient, red balloon in the streets of Paris. The balloon follows Pascal through the city, leading to various adventures and challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines whimsical elements with real-life settings, prompting readers to think critically about the interaction between fantasy and reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, while also providing a glimpse into the urban landscape of Paris.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical realism and exploring cities through stories.

• Linnea in Monet's Garden by Christina Björk, illustrated by Lena Anderson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Art
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young girl, Linnea, as she visits Paris to see the famous gardens that inspired the paintings of Claude Monet. Alongside her neighbor, she learns about Monet’s life and art.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex topics such as impressionist art and historical biography, which are typically not explored deeply at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into art history and the importance of inspiration, making it educational yet engaging.
  • Perfect for: Art lovers and young historians interested in a blend of story and factual content.

• Paris Up, Up and Away by Hélène Druvert
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book takes the reader on a magical journey over the rooftops of Paris, exploring its famous landmarks and the beauty of the city from above.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate laser-cut illustrations require careful observation and appreciation, fostering a deeper engagement with the artwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visual feast that captivates and educates, offering a unique perspective of Paris.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers who appreciate art and architecture.

• This is Paris by Miroslav Sasek
  • Genre(s): Travel, Picture book
  • Synopsis: Part of the "This is" series, this book introduces children to Paris through vibrant illustrations and informative text covering the city's culture, landmarks, and history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a large amount of historical and cultural information, requiring readers to absorb and retain complex details about Paris.
  • Why we recommend this book: It serves as both a travelogue and a cultural guide, enriching young minds with knowledge about one of the world's most famous cities.
  • Perfect for: Junior globetrotters and any kid interested in learning about different cities and cultures.

• The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social themes
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the heartwarming story of an old man named Armand who finds a family living under a bridge in Paris. Together, they experience various adventures and form a close bond.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of poverty, family, and societal acceptance, providing a platform for deeper discussion and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the value of unexpected friendships, offering a touching narrative set against the backdrop of Paris.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt stories with meaningful life lessons.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the charming streets of Paris through books, it's a fantastic journey for any 10-year-old. To make the most out of your reading adventure, here are some exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These are not just fun but also enhance your understanding and retention of what you read. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you’ll spend reading each day or how many pages you’ll read.
  • How it helps: Helps in developing a consistent reading habit and achieving reading milestones.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable, and maybe add some Paris-themed decorations!

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book right after your reading session to keep details fresh.

• Use a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words you find in your reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the language used in books.
  • Tips: Review this list regularly and try to use new words in your daily conversations.

• Draw Scenes from the Book
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps you visualize and remember the story better.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect art; just express what you imagine.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story before you continue reading.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and keeps you invested in the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them are right as you read.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main events and characters.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading an integral and enjoyable part of your life. As you explore books about Paris, these habits will help you immerse fully in the stories and maybe, just maybe, transport you to the City of Light right from your reading nook! Happy reading!