Behind the Bookshelf: How We Select the Perfect French Children's Books
Let's get real about how we choose the books that will make their way into little hands and big imaginations. At Will et Max Books, book selection isn't just a task - it's an art form, a mission, and honestly, our favorite kind of treasure hunt.
More Than Just Words on a Page
When we look at a potential book, we're not just scanning text. We're diving deep into every element that makes a children's book truly magical. It starts with understanding exactly who's going to be reading.
When we look at a potential book, we're not just scanning text. We're diving deep into every element that makes a children's book truly magical. It starts with understanding exactly who's going to be reading.
Age is More Than a Number
For us, age range isn't just about page count or word difficulty. It's about emotional resonance. A book for a 4-year-old needs to feel completely different from a book for a 9-year-old. We're looking for stories that speak directly to a child's current world - their fears, their joys, their emerging understanding of how things work.
Language That Breathes
Language complexity is our secret sauce. We're not interested in books that feel like homework. For younger readers, we want language that feels like a gentle invitation. For older readers, we're hunting for books that challenge just enough to make reading feel like an adventure.
Language complexity is our secret sauce. We're not interested in books that feel like homework. For younger readers, we want language that feels like a gentle invitation. For older readers, we're hunting for books that challenge just enough to make reading feel like an adventure.
Windows and Mirrors
Diversity isn't a checkbox for us - it's a fundamental part of how we see the world. Every book we select is a chance for a child to see themselves reflected or to peek into someone else's experience. We're looking for stories that represent the beautiful complexity of our global community.
Diversity isn't a checkbox for us - it's a fundamental part of how we see the world. Every book we select is a chance for a child to see themselves reflected or to peek into someone else's experience. We're looking for stories that represent the beautiful complexity of our global community.
Beauty in the Details
Let's talk illustrations. Oh, we are absolute suckers for stunning visuals. A beautiful illustration can transform reading from a task to pure magic. We're looking for art that doesn't just accompany the story, but actually tells part of it.
Let's talk illustrations. Oh, we are absolute suckers for stunning visuals. A beautiful illustration can transform reading from a task to pure magic. We're looking for art that doesn't just accompany the story, but actually tells part of it.
Learning Through Story
For our younger readers, we adore books that sneak in lessons about daily life. A story about helping in the kitchen, understanding emotions, or navigating friendship - these are the books that build empathy and confidence.
And for our older readers? Humor is king. We want books that make kids laugh out loud, that use fantasy to explore big ideas, and that leave them absolutely desperate to turn the next page.
The Classics Never Die
Some characters are just timeless. We have a soft spot for those special books that develop big ideas - kindness, responsibility, curiosity - with a light touch that never feels preachy.
Some characters are just timeless. We have a soft spot for those special books that develop big ideas - kindness, responsibility, curiosity - with a light touch that never feels preachy.
Our Promise to You
Every single book in our collection has been loved, examined, and selected with intention. We're not just selling books - we're curating experiences, sparking imaginations, and building bridges between languages and cultures.
Want to know what we're reading right now? Join our email list and get a peek behind the bookshelf.
Bisous!
Sara & Jason
Co-founders, Will et Max Books