From Frustrated Parents to French Bookstore Founders: The Story Behind Will et Max Books

Shopping for French children's books shouldn't require an international shipping degree, three browser translators, and a master class in currency conversion. Yet for so many families trying to build their little ones' French libraries, that's exactly what it's become. We know, because we've been there - and we're about to change that.

As parents raising bilingual kiddos (hey there, we're Jason and Sara!), we've been on the wild ride of trying to build a French library for Will and Max. Between the late-night searches for beautiful French books, dealing with those eye-watering international shipping costs, and wondering if a book is too easy/too hard/just right... well, let's just say we knew there had to be a better way.

That's when inspiration struck: what if we created the French bookstore we'd been dreaming of? A place where finding the perfect French book for your child would be as simple as walking down the street to your neighborhood bookshop.

Enter Will et Max Books (named after our own little bilingual adventurers). We're in the exciting early stages of bringing this vision to life. While we're deep in conversations with France's finest children's book publishers and carefully selecting titles that will delight young readers at every stage of their French journey, we're also building something bigger than just a bookstore - we're creating the community space we wish we'd had when we started our family's French adventure.

Our journey to opening day is unfolding in stages. Early 2025 will bring our presale launch, where our founding community will have first access to the collections we're curating. Every book selection is being made with intention, whether you're fluently French or just figuring out how to pronounce "bonjour" without blushing.

Want to be part of this story from the beginning? Pop your email in below and you'll be first to learn about our publisher partnerships, get sneak peeks at the books we're selecting, and receive early access to our presale launch. Plus, you'll get immediate access to our carefully crafted resources - from guides to creating cozy French reading nooks to tips for mastering bedtime stories in two languages.

Speaking of resources, when you join our list today, you'll receive our French Holiday Traditions guide that's already helping families add touches of French culture to their celebrations. Consider it a small taste of the curated experience we're creating.

Here's what we really want to know though - what's YOUR story? What kinds of books are you dreaming of? What challenges have you faced in finding French books for your family? Your input during these early stages will help shape the collections we're building.

The best stories, like the best adventures, are the ones we share together. While we're finalizing partnerships and selecting books, we'd love for you to be part of the conversation. Join our email list to follow our journey and help shape the future of French children's books in our community.

Bisous!

Jason & Sara Co-founders and Chief Story Hunters

Will et Max Books

P.S. When you join our email list, you won't just be first to know about our presale launch, you'll get instant access to that holiday guide everyone's been talking about. The photos families are sharing of their French celebrations are absolutely heartwarming!