Book Review of Baby Go! France
The Children’s Book Review
Baby Go! France
Written by Vanessa Lee Christensen
Illustrated by Audrey Lee
Ages 1+ | 22 Pages
Publisher: Gloo Books (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-1962351287
What to Expect: Cultural Exploration, Travel, Shapes, Counting, and French Vocabulary.
In this vibrant picture book, readers will embark on a delightful journey through France, experiencing its rich culture through the eyes of a baby.
Through the eyes of an adorable baby, Baby Go! Off to France! invites young readers on a delightful tour of French culture. Little ones will discover iconic Parisian landmarks, spotting familiar shapes in the graceful arches of Notre-Dame, the towering Eiffel, the grandeur of the Louvre, and the triumphant Arc de Triomphe. The journey continues with charming cultural glimpses: a stroll along the Seine, where artists create and bookstores read, the delicious joy of a warm baguette fresh from the boulangerie, and the festive spirit of July 14th, complete with picnics and games of pétanque.
Readers are taken on a ride on le métro, admiring its vibrant colors and sleek design. Sweet pâtisseries offer a tasty way to practice counting, while a visit to the park reveals children at play with toy boats and carousels. The sensory adventure extends to the fragrant lavender fields and culminates in peaceful dreams of Versailles’ dancing fountains and musical gardens. Finally, filled with the “Joie de vivre!”—the sheer joy of life—Baby bids a fond “Au revoir!” as it’s “Time to go home.”
Baby’s journey of cultural discovery is delightfully conveyed through simple, declarative sentences and vivid imagery. The digitally rendered illustrations by Audrey Lee are bright, expressive, and effectively capture the essence of each French scene and cultural element. The use of French words and phrases, such as “Bonjour!”, “Tour Eiffel”, “Notre-Dame”, “Musée du Louvre”, “Arc de Triomphe”, “la boulangerie”, “le métro”, “des pâtisseries”, “un”, “deux”, “trois”, “quatre”, “cinq”, “Miam! Miam!”, “Joie de vivre!”, “Bébé” and “Au revoir!” enrich the experience.
Baby Go! France is a creative and memorable tale that teaches children about the sights, sounds, and experiences of France, while also introducing them to basic French vocabulary.
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About the Author
Vanessa Lee Christensen is a children’s book author and travel blogger based in Stillwater, Minnesota. She graduated with an M.A. in Education & Human Development from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her inspiration for Baby Go! is based on her travels with her children and her life growing up abroad.
About the Illustrator
Audrey Lee is an illustrator, designer and art director from Los Angeles. Her work is highly influenced by the vibrant spirit of her community, her love for color and expressive shapes, her role as a mother, and the power of visual storytelling.
