Par
Leah Pippinato
Published on
Dec 22 2024 at 4:34 p.m.
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The Nemo bookstore in Montpellier, specialist in children's literature since 1995, presents its varied selection of books suitable for children and adolescents. To Julia Lahozbookseller, has chosen works combining adventure, humor and emotions, to meet the needs of each age group. Between illustrated albums, adventure stories and initiatory novels, these books promise to take young readers into imaginary worlds, while addressing themes essential to their development.
From 2 to 5 years: first discoveries and sweet emotions
For the youngest, Julia Lahoz's selection is based around colorful, poetic albums full of tenderness.
“Mo’s Star” by Choi Yeonju (Helium, 15.90 euros): This album features a little boy who befriends a star. Together, they experience a celestial adventure imbued with sweetness and poetry. The dreamlike illustrations accompany a story of friendship and dreams, ideal to reassure and amaze little ones.
“At our place” by Mark Janssen (Kaleidoscope, 14.50 euros): A warm album filled with colorful illustrations which tells the story of a shelter where all animals are welcome. This book addresses the notions of home, family and acceptance, perfect for little ones to whom we wish to transmit the values of kindness and mutual aid.
“Damn, it’s a failure!” » by Cathy Motti (Jasmin, 12.90 euros): In this album full of humor, the young reader discovers a slightly clumsy character who does everything wrong, but with a big smile. Children can recognize themselves in small daily mistakes, and learn that perseverance is important. A joyful book that deals with error with lightness and humor. “I love this album for its humor and simplicity. Children recognize their own daily life there! », Enthuses Julia Lahoz.
From 6 to 8 years old: first readings and little adventures
Children in this age group are ready to discover more complex stories, with simple but captivating adventure stories, where humor and emotion mingle.
“The Knight Backwards” by Sophie Lamoureux (Kaleidoscope, 14.50 euros): An atypical knight, who always walks backwards, experiences an offbeat adventure. This book addresses the theme of difference with humor and tenderness. The light tone and wacky adventures will appeal to young readers, while leading them to think about self-acceptance.
“Twig’s Great Adventure” by Matthew Cordell (Gallimard Jeunesse, 15.50 euros): This poetic story tells the story of a little rabbit who sets off on an adventure despite his fears. With delicate illustrations, the book addresses the theme of courage and curiosity, important qualities for children in search of discovery and surpassing themselves.
“I will love you to the ends of the earth” by Ronda Armitage (Arenes, 15.90 euros): An ode to the unconditional love between a parent and their child, this book is a sweet promise of security and tenderness. Little readers will understand how parental love is eternal. “Children like to feel protected, and this album is a real cocoon of tenderness,” explains the bookseller.
“Letter to Florette” by Anthony Martinez (Kaleidoscope, 14.50 euros): This album tells the story of a touching correspondence between a child and his friend. Through the letters exchanged, the author addresses the importance of friendship and the bond that unites the characters. A great introduction to exchange and communication between friends for young people.
From 9 to 12 years old: adventures and discoveries of the world
In this age group, young readers appreciate more fleshed-out stories, where adventure, mystery and reflection take a central place.
“The Legend of Podkin the Brave” by Kieran Larwood (Gallimard Jeunesse, 8.70 euros): Podkin, a young rabbit promised to become leader of his clan, must face terrible enemies. This action-packed, emotion-packed fantasy story addresses themes of responsibility, courage, and coming of age. A fantastic universe perfect for fans of epic adventures.
“Connie’s Exploits” by Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vignod (Gallimard Jeunesse, 29 euros): Connie is a heroine full of energy, who goes on incredible adventures. This book, designed as a series of short stories, is ideal for young readers who like humor and unexpected adventures.
“The Cloud Forest” by Petit and Delaunay (EDL, 12 euros): This fifth volume in the Natural Stories series transports young readers to a mysterious forest. Halfway between a story and a scientific discovery, this book awakens children's curiosity and teaches them the importance of biodiversity and nature protection.
“Cookie live life!” » by Laure Laffon and Magali Le Huche (La Joie de Lire, 13.90 euros): This funny and colorful album follows the adventures of Cookie, a little girl who sees life with excessive optimism. This book tackles everyday challenges with humor, encouraging children to see the positive side of things.
From 12 to 14 years old: mysteries and fantasy
From the age of 12, young readers are looking for more immersive stories, where fantasy, adventure and mysteries play an important role. Julia Lahoz has selected works that address themes such as the quest for oneself, emancipation and friendship, often within fantastic universes.
« Sorcery of Thorns » by Margaret Rogerson (BigBang, 19.95 euros): This fantasy novel immerses us in a world where grimoires are living beings with magical powers. Elisabeth, an apprentice librarian, must prevent these books from sowing chaos. This thrilling tale tackles themes like self-control, discovering your abilities, and the importance of knowledge. Teenagers, keen on magic and mysteries, will be seduced by the captivating plot and endearing characters.
“Grébor Detectives – From father to daughter” by Yves Grevet (Little Urban, 13.50 euros): This detective novel follows an investigation carried out by a father and his daughter, mixing mystery and family complicity. The plot, rich in twists and turns, also explores the father-daughter relationship, giving adolescents a reflection on family ties while plunging them into a world of investigation and enigmas.
“The Collector” by Leire Salaberria (Sarbacane, 16.90 euros): This poetic book addresses the theme of memories through a young girl who collects lost objects to turn them into treasures. It's a beautiful reflection on the importance of memories, memory and the little everyday things that mark life.
From 14 years old: initiatory novels and personal quests
For older adolescents, Julia Lahoz offers more complex novels, which combine adventure stories, personal reflections and social issues. These books allow young people to question their identity and their place in the world.
« The Agency for Scandal » by Laura Wood (Pocket Jeunesse, 18.50 euros): In this historical novel set in the Victorian era, the heroine is part of a secret spy society and is involved in delicate political affairs. The book addresses themes such as female emancipation, courage and justice, and offers young readers an adventure full of twists and turns, where action and romance mingle.
“The Lost Flower of Shaman K.” by Davide Morosinotto (EDL, 18 euros): This initiatory novel tells the story of two adolescents who embark on a mystical quest in the heart of the Amazon. They must find a flower with legendary powers, while discovering the mysteries of the tropical forest and local cultures. This book addresses themes such as the quest for identity, protection of the environment and openness to other cultures, while offering a fascinating immersion in an exotic setting.
« Six of Crows – Tome 1 » by Leigh Bardugo (Hachette Jeunesse, 8.90 euros): This dark fantasy novel follows a gang of young criminals in search of an impossible coup. With its dark world and complex characters, this book explores themes like loyalty, survival and betrayal. Teenagers will appreciate the intensity of the plot, the relationships between the characters and the richness of this universe.
“Savior & Son – Season 1” by Marie-Aude Murail (EDL, 8.50 euros): This contemporary novel follows Sauveur Saint-Yves, a psychologist who strives to reconcile his life as a single father and his career. Through consultations with adolescent patients, this book addresses social and psychological issues, such as school bullying, adoption, self-harm and the quest for identity. A novel that combines humor, tenderness and reflections on the complexity of human relationships.
Be careful, these books risk causing an epidemic of “just one last chapter”! Get ready to see your children devour these stories without moderation, and who knows, you might even fall for a few…
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