Emma in Paris

PreS-Gr 2—A small sparrow named Emma has flown across the Atlantic Ocean to Paris to visit her cousin Amélie. When Emma arrives, she finds herself at a disadvantage because she doesn't speak the native language. After asking for assistance from several critters without avail, she meets a friendly cat named Edouard. With his help and with her newly purchased English-French dictionary, the bird is finally able to find her way to Amélie. The cousins spend time together all over Paris, hitting all of the popular tourist haunts. Using actual photos of the city as the backdrop, Frossard draws in the birds, mice, and cats as if they are on stage. French phrases are used in the text with an asterisk that leads readers to the translation, thereby offering an opportunity for children to learn a few words in French. The cousins attach a lock to the Pont des Arts, along with many others, signifying their lasting friendship. The book ends with a spread of central Paris where kids can locate the spots characters visited. Pair this book with the Paris-set classic, Ludwig Bemelmans's Madeline. Or include in a display of other books set in the "City of Lights," such as Emily Arnold McCully's Mirette on the Highwire (Putnam, 1992), Kay Thompson's Eloise in Paris (S & S, 1999), and Barbara McClintock's Adèle & Simon (Farrar, 2006).—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA