OMG They're Finally Here! Our First French Books Have Arrived!
Share
Guys, there's something INSANELY exciting about opening a box of books. You know that fresh paper smell, right? The crisp covers? But when that box contains the very first shipment for your bookstore? I literally danced around the living room until our dog gave me the "mom's lost it" look.
This week, our doorbell rang with THE delivery we've been dying for: our first shipment of French children's books for Will et Max Books! I might've screamed "THANK YOU!" at the FedEx guy (sorry not sorry), but as we ripped open that box, it hit me hard. These weren't just books for our own little bilingual monsters anymore – these beautiful books would soon help families just like ours create those magical reading moments I'm always gushing about.
Why Sami et Julie Are Our New BFFs
So you'll notice our first titles are all from the Sami et Julie series. Trust me, this was totally intentional! When planning what to stock first, we wanted books that would be absolute game-changers for families just starting their French reading journey.
These Sami et Julie readers are basically French classroom royalty because:
- Progressive reading levels - starting with absolute beginner books (Niveau 1) and getting gradually trickier
- Supportive illustrations - that actually help you understand what's happening (crucial when you're staring at a word like "grenouille" and thinking "what fresh hell is this?")
- Relatable content - everyday situations kids actually care about
- Actually enjoyable - unlike most early readers that have all the excitement of watching paint dry
"These aren't just reading practice – they're the books that make kids yell 'I CAN READ IN FRENCH!' for the first time."
From Total Nightmare to Dream Come True
If you've been following our little adventure, you know Will et Max Books happened because we were losing our minds trying to build a French library for our kids. The midnight Amazon France rabbit holes. The math gymnastics with euros. The shipping costs that had us considering whether moving to France would actually be cheaper.
Standing in our living room with these 35 perfect Sami et Julie titles spread around us (yes, I made a book angel on the floor – don't judge), I couldn't help thinking about all the families who won't have to go through that struggle anymore.
No more:
- Waiting FOREVER for books to arrive from France
- Guessing about reading levels
- Shipping costs that make you question your life choices
Instead, you'll pay just $9.40-$10.70 for a perfect French early reader that'll show up at your door in days, not weeks. And you'll know it was hand-selected by parents who've been exactly where you are: confused, desperate, and stress-eating croissants.
The Not-So-Glamorous Behind the Scenes
Getting these books here was a JOURNEY, y'all. After 47 emails (I counted!) with publishers, 3 AM negotiations in my pajamas while pretending to be a Very Professional Business Person, and a customs paperwork disaster that had me eating my feelings in chocolate form for three days straight... seeing these books finally arrive felt like we'd pulled off some kind of bibliophile heist.
Oh, and I had to make an emergency Office Depot run for an "official" Will et Max Books stamp because apparently French paperwork requires stamps for EVERYTHING. Adorable, really.
What This Means for You
If you've been waiting for French books that don't require a second mortgage, the wait is OVER! These readers are perfect for:
- Beginning readers - Kids just starting to read French
- Immersion students - Who need extra practice
- Summer practice - Parents trying to keep up French skills during summer (without screens – we see you trying!)
- Budget-conscious families - Anyone who's ever cried over international shipping costs
Each book is between $9.40 and $10.70 – because we think a French library shouldn't require selling a kidney. They're available NOW on our website with all the info about reading levels to find your perfect match.
What's Coming Next
This shipment is just the beginning! Right now we're focused on getting all the presale orders packaged and shipped – if you're one of our founding customers, your books are our top priority!
More titles arriving soon:
- Board books for the tiny humans
- Picture books for younger readers
- Advanced reads for the bigger kids
We'll be expanding our collection all summer long! From our chaotic household to yours – happy reading!
Bisous and book hugs,
Sara & Jason Co-founders (and chief box-openers), Will et Max Books