Cooper, Sharon Katz. France ABCs: A Book about the People and Places of France.
Illustrated by Stacey Previn. Minneapolis, MN: Picture Window Books, 2006. ISBN 14048-1568-6. $26.65.
Through the letters of the alphabet, people, places and items for which France is famous
are presented. A typical page of this book consists of the letter, (upper and lower case),
the word, (for example, de Gaulle), and then 4-5 sentences elaborating on the French
subject. Colorful, impressionistic pictures illustrate the subject. Included, but not found
on every page, are fast facts, varying from 1-2 sentences in length. The fast facts are not
too lengthy, as is the case in many of the US state ABC books. The reader will find a
good representation of France.
In addition to the concise, explanative, easy to read text, this book also includes a “facts
in brief” page about France, a glossary, a “say it in French” section (of eight common
French words), an index, and a list of several books and a website where the reader can
learn more. The layout of each page is pleasing to the eye as the illustrations consist of
2/3 of the page.
Using the book in an exploratory or French I class is a way to introduce students to
French culture. In the elementary setting, this book could be used with students who are
learning about countries on the continent of Europe; or by those would like to learn more
about this specific country. In teaching alphabetical order or about resources and goods,
this book could be used with students in grades 1-3.
Recommended
English 1.5
English 1.9, 2.7, 3.6
English 1.10
English 2.9, 3.7
Social Studies 3.5, 3.3
Social Studies 3.7
Upper and lower case letters
Nonfiction
Picture dictionary
Use dictionary (alphabetical order)
Seven continents, France (location)
Economics-Resources
Reviewed by Alesia Talbot, School Librarian, February 2010.