10+ Best French Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect French books for 8-year-olds? Whether you're looking to immerse your child in a new language or enrich their existing French skills, finding the right books can be a game changer. In this blog, we've curated a variety of captivating French books that are perfect for 8-year-old readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to engage, educate, and entertain!

Fun French Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Le Petit Nicolas by René Goscinny, illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This series details the adventures and misadventures of a little boy named Nicolas and his friends at school and at home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and the innocent perspective of a child, making it a delightful read that captures the essence of childhood.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and everyday adventures.

• Les Contes de la rue Broca by Pierre Gripari, illustrated by Puig Rosado
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: A collection of whimsical and enchanting fairy tales set in the Rue Broca of Paris.
  • Why we recommend this book: These tales blend magical elements with real-world settings, sparking imagination and creativity in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magic and mystery, and those who appreciate tales that blend the fantastical with the mundane.

• La Belle Lisse Poire du Prince de Motordu by Pef
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story of Prince de Motordu, who lives in a topsy-turvy world where words are delightfully mixed up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It plays with language in a fun and engaging way, encouraging young readers to explore and enjoy the nuances of words.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have a knack for wordplay and those who enjoy seeing the world in a quirky, unconventional way.

• Le Club des Cinq by Enid Blyton, translated by Claude Voilier
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Follows the adventures of a group of children who form 'The Famous Five' and solve various mysteries while on their vacations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense and adventure, perfect for engaging young minds and fostering a love for reading through exciting narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and adventurers who dream of solving mysteries and exploring new places.

• Zéphir by Alice Brière-Haquet, illustrated by Olivier Philipponneau
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The tale of a young boy who embarks on a fantastical journey with his kite, exploring faraway lands and meeting mythical creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that encourages exploration and dreaming big, ideal for sparking imagination.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and adventurers, and any child who loves stories about epic journeys and fantastical worlds.

Educational French Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Mon Amie la Sorcière by Stéphane Daniel, illustrated by Rémi Saillard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a young girl who befriends a kind witch and together they embark on magical adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming tale that mixes magic with the values of friendship and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about magic and the power of friendship.

• Les Aventures de Tintin: Le Secret de la Licorne by Hergé
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy discover a model ship that holds the key to an ancient treasure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines history, mystery, and vibrant illustrations to keep readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and mystery lovers who enjoy piecing together clues and learning history in a fun way.

• Max et Lili veulent tout savoir sur les bébés by Dominique de Saint Mars, illustrated by Serge Bloch
  • Genre(s): Educational, Family
  • Synopsis: Max and Lili learn about where babies come from and the responsibilities of having a younger sibling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family dynamics, basic biology, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses a common curiosity among children in a respectful and educational manner, making it easier for them to understand family relationships.
  • Perfect for: Children who are expecting a new sibling or are curious about family relationships and dynamics.

• Le Merveilleux Voyage de Nils Holgersson à travers la Suède by Selma Lagerlöf, translated by Marc Logé
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nils, a mischievous boy, is magically shrunk and travels across Sweden on the back of a goose.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, empathy, Swedish culture
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic tale combines adventure with lessons about kindness and the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in magical adventures and learning about different cultures and landscapes.

• L'École des Massacreurs de Dragons: Au secours! Un dragon scrogneugneu by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Bill Basso
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Wiglaf joins the School for Dragon Slayers and faces his first challenge: a very grumpy dragon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, bravery, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous take on bravery and problem-solving, with engaging illustrations that bring the story to life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love dragons and humorous tales of adventure and courage.

Challenging French Books for 8-Year-Olds

• La Sorcière de la rue Mouffetard by Pierre Gripari, illustrated by Puig Rosado
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story is about a witch who concocts a plan to regain her youth by eating young children, and how the kids in the neighborhood cleverly thwart her schemes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates sophisticated themes of morality and strategy, requiring readers to understand complex character motivations and clever resolutions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about cleverness, bravery, and the strength of community in an engaging and imaginative way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling tales with a moral and those who like stories with smart, resourceful characters.

• L'arbre sans fin by Claude Ponti
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book follows the journey of a young girl, Blaise, who explores a fantastical tree filled with bizarre creatures and imaginative worlds.
  • Why this book is challenging: Ponti's work is known for its rich, detailed illustrations and complex, layered storytelling that goes beyond simple narrative structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that encourages deep thinking and opens up a child’s imagination to endless possibilities.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and dreamers who love losing themselves in worlds of wonder and intricate detail.

• Les Derniers Géants by François Place
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An explorer discovers a hidden world where the last giants live and documents his findings in a travel journal.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is structured as an explorer's journal, including detailed drawings and maps, which requires readers to engage with both text and visual content critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a unique presentation style that mimics real historical exploration journals, enhancing both reading skills and historical interest.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and explorers who are fascinated by the idea of discovering new worlds and ancient creatures.

• Le Prince Sauvage et la Renarde by Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vignod, illustrated by Jean-Claude Götting
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • The Synopsis: A young prince and a fox embark on a perilous journey to cure the prince's curse, facing various challenges that test their friendship and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book explores deep themes such as loyalty, bravery, and the complexity of human and animal relationships through rich, evocative language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully told story that combines elements of traditional fairy tales with modern sensibilities about nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate tales of adventure that delve into emotional depth and character development.

• Mamie Poule raconte: Le Pingouin qui avait froid by Christine Beigel, illustrated by Hervé Le Goff
  • Genre(s): Humor, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: In this humorous story, a quirky grandmother tells a tale about a penguin who is always cold and his journey to find warmth.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style involves a play on words and a storytelling within a storytelling framework, which can be complex for young readers to follow.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous approach to storytelling, encouraging laughter while improving listening and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny stories and whimsical characters, and those who appreciate a good laugh while reading.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring French books with your 8-year-old, you're opening up a world of adventure, culture, and learning. To enhance this experience, here are some fun exercises that can help develop good reading habits while keeping the joy in your reading journey. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story's setting, characters, and events.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the narrative structure.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map engaging and easier to understand.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a character.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more fun and realistic.

• Book Club Dates
  • What it is: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the book with friends or family who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Encourages expressive skills and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Prepare some questions in advance to guide the discussion.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read until the timer goes off.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and stamina for reading.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time as your child's endurance improves.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw pictures or make a comic strip based on the book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates creativity and helps with recall of details from the story.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies to make the activity more enticing.

• Vocabulary Building
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of language.
  • Tips: Use the new words in daily conversations or have your child write sentences using them.

Implementing these exercises can make reading French books not just an educational task but a delightful adventure for your 8-year-old. Each activity not only boosts reading skills but also adds a layer of fun and interaction to their reading experience. Happy reading!