I am looking for a couple of books to introduce some background about our upcoming visit to the Dordogne region for 9 and 12 year olds. Both read very well, and I'd like to spark an interest ahead of time in the Cro-Magnon people, medieval castles and lifestyle, the Hundred Years War, etc. I read Michael Crichton's "Timeline" before my first visit there in 2001 and, although fiction, it did whet my appetite for our trip. I'd like to do the same for my grandkids. I welcome any suggestions (in English of course), whether fiction or history. What I have found on Amazon doesn't fit the bill so far. (Both are reading 2-3 years above grade level, if that helps.)
Thanks!
Posted by
northern CA
2464 posts
There are a lot of books (in English Even :-P ) about Mont Ventoux from an adventure / romance perspective because of its importance in bicycle racing. Like so:
Posted by
769 posts
National Geographic has a well-respected series called "National Geographic World History Biographies." As it happens, the three French-specific subjects are all amazing women: Eleanor of Aquitaine; Marie Curie; and Joan of Arc.
I'd also recommend Carla Jablonski's Resistance trilogy. They are outstanding graphic novels and help give understanding to the French Resistance.
If either of them love fantasy, mythology, Dungeons & Dragons, etc. the Myths and Legends series from a few years ago is gorgeous. But specific to your question, there's a volume on the myths surrounding Charlemagne. Think Roland, Renault of Montalban, etc. It is called Charlemagne and the Paladins.
Finally, does anyone else remember Sister Wendy Becket on PBS? Apparently she did a kid-appropriate book based on the Duc de Berry's Book of Hours called "The Duke and the Peasant: Life in the Middle Ages." It is out of print, but I stumbled on it looking into this question. If you can find a used copy in good condition I bet it would be terrific, since Sister Wendy was first-rate. (Heck, I might get myself one for Christmas!)
Posted by
France Southwest
1820 posts
Checkout this one. For the medieval part it could be perfect.
https://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Medieval-World-Battles-Castles/dp/1782744479
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
This is one of my favorites for teens: Exploring the Ice Age by Margaret Cooper. A well written award winner from your time period and region of France.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10199 posts
We had these books for our children,: Building the Great Cathedrals and Building a Castle. I've seen them in English.
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
657 posts
Great suggestions! I will check into them right away. Thanks you everyone!
Posted by
254 posts
Les Milandes was Josephine Bakers home - lovely chateau, bird of prey exhibits and lots of history. There are several children's books about her life on Amazon.
Wonderful castles in the Dordogne - Beynac and Castelnaud are two of my favorites. Lots of books on life in the Middle Ages. Check the Magic Tree House books (Knights and Castles and the Knight at Dawn), David Macauley on Castles, Catherine Called Birdy, the Crispin series, etc.
Also lots on prehistoric man (guessing that Les Eyzies/Lascauz or others are on your list) - check Margaret Cooper, The Secret Cave
Discovering Lascaux by Emily Arnold McCully, Boy of the Painted Cave by Justin Denzel, etc.
We LOVE the Dordognec and wish you wonderful memories!!
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
657 posts
Thank you, crooney55!
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
524 posts
There is a book series called "Who was ____________". I am doing something similar for my kids and there is a "Who was Marie Antoinette" and Napoleon and Joan of Arc
I think these might be a great introduction. they will be easy reads for your grandkids but I do think the content is well done that they will be interested.
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
657 posts
Merci beaucoup Amy!