French Bedtime Stories to Read with Your Kids

1. Madeleine

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans has been charming readers since 1939. It follows the adventures of a brave little girl named Madeline, who lives in a Parisian boarding school. Through her escapades, children are introduced to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, bringing the magic of Paris to life. The story’s playful rhyming couplets make it especially fun to read aloud.

• Lesson learned: Resilience (Madeline overcomes adversity with a determined spirit.)

• Activity to try: Plan a Paris-themed art project. Let your child recreate famous Parisian landmarks using crayons, paints, or craft supplies.
• Where to find: Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay often have French editions of Madeline available for purchase.

2. Petit Poulet

In Petit Poulet (the French version of Chicken Little), a little chicken thinks the sky is falling when an acorn hits his head. His panic spreads quickly as he warns his friends, leading to a series of amusing and cautionary events. Since many children are already familiar with this tale in English, reading it in French is a great way to introduce new vocabulary in a fun, memorable way.

• Lesson Learned: Think before you panic—jumping to conclusions can cause unnecessary fear.

• Activity to Try: Animal sound effects! Have fun making animal noises for each character in the story.
• Where to find it: eBay, French Books Online, or potentially in major bookstores. (Check the international section!)

3. Historie de Babar

Did you know Babar’s story began in French? Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff was published in 1931 and follows the adventures of a young elephant who leaves the jungle to explore the city. His wisdom and experiences eventually lead him to become King of the Elephants, teaching children about learning, growth, and leadership.

• Lesson Learned: The value of curiosity and education.

• Activity to Try: Talk about leadership. Ask your child what they would do as King or Queen of the Elephant Kingdom.
• Where to find: Thriftbooks.com, eBay, or Amazon.

4. L’Oiseau et la Baleine

Perfect for beginners, L’Oiseau et la Baleine (The Bird and the Whale) uses simple language to tell the touching story of an unlikely friendship. This beautifully illustrated tale introduces key French words and phrases while teaching children about love, friendship, and appreciating differences.

• Lesson Learned: Celebrating differences and understanding each other’s strengths.

• Activity to Try: Discuss emotions. Ask your child how they would feel in the bird or whale’s situation.
• Where to find: This book can be hard to find in the U.S. We recommend trying eBay and Amazon. If you can’t find a copy, there’s also a great YouTube video you can watch! 

5. Astérix

The Astérix comic book series is full of humor, adventure, and historical references. It follows clever Astérix and his best friend Obélix as they resist the Roman occupation using a magical potion for superhuman strength. The witty dialogue and fun storylines make this a hit for children and adults alike.

• Lesson Learned: Intelligence can be mightier than strength.

• Activity to Try: Map out Astérix’s travels. Draw a map showing his adventures across Egypt, Britain, and beyond!
• Where to find: Thriftbooks.com, eBay 

6. Les Trois Petits Cochons

Reading Les Trois Petits Cochons (The Three Little Pigs) in French offers a fun twist on a familiar classic. Since most children already know the story, it’s easier for them to pick up new French words and phrases as they follow along.

• Lesson Learned: Hard work and perseverance pay off.

• Activity to Try: House-building challenge! Use craft supplies like popsicle sticks, shredded paper, or Lego bricks, then test each house’s strength with a fan.
• Where to find: Kobo, eBay, Amazon 

7. Le Petit Prince

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince is one of the most famous French books of all time. It follows a young prince’s journey through the universe, where he learns about love, friendship, and the importance of seeing with the heart. Its poetic storytelling and deep life lessons resonate with readers of all ages.

• Lesson Learned: True value is found in love and friendship, not in material things.

• Activity to Try: Create a love collage. Have your child make a collage of people, pets, and things they love.
• Where to find: Thriftbooks.com, Amazon, or maybe even your local library!

Learn French Through Stories with Your Au Pair

Imagine giving your children a rich cultural experience without even leaving your home! When you host an Au Pair through Go Au Pair, your family gains access to flexible, affordable childcare—and your children get to learn a new language in a fun, natural way. They’ll hear bedtime stories in French, learn about their Au Pair’s culture, and expand their horizons every day.

Ready to Start Your Family’s Adventure? Discover how hosting an Au Pair can bring language learning and cultural exchange into your home. Explore our Au Pairs today and find the perfect match for your family. Your next adventure is just one step away!