Children have been following Madeline on her adventures through Paris since the first book in the series was published in 1939. Read the classic stories of 12 little girls in two straight lines to get kids excited about the Tuileries, Pont Neuf, and the Eiffel Tower.

Parisians aren't notorious for being friendly. But in this classic tale, the cobbler, the baker, the fashion designer, and others work together to make a new pair of pointe shoes for Belinda after she loses hers. Children can learn about the famous sights and Parisian streets through Belinda's journey.

As in his other junior guidebooks, Sasek provides just the right balance of facts and fancy. This Is Paris, first published in 1959, contains tons of elegant and whimsical illustrations that bring together flower girls and concierges and show the big sites.

Among Cookie's favorite guide-book series for any city, these slender volumes provide just enough information to navigate your way around. Each neighborhood has its own foldout map with a tight edit of the essential shops, restaurants, and sights. While it doesn't provide a comprehensive background of the Saint Suplice or list every major painting in the Louvre, it comes in extremely handy when you're strolling across Pont Neuf and need a snack, now.

A seasoned traveler and a mom who understands that chasing little Remys through Paris's sewers will capture kids' attention more than the Mona Lisa will, Karen Uhlmann has already done all the work for you. This subjective guide has especially good advice on how to navigate French menus, which wings of the big museums are kid pleasers, and where to go if you need to get away from the city.

A Paris resident for 16 years, Edmund White has learned every nook and nuance of the City of Light. Following his curiosity rather than a guide, he throws away the idea that there are things you're supposed to see. His vignettes—a jaunt through the Jewish ghetto to the Musée Nissim de Camondo, a glamorous party thrown in a rented-out castle—are rich and thoughtful, making you feel as if you're already there.

This concise book is edited to include the 68 best things to do with children around Paris. While many of the expected monuments are covered, the list also includes some surprises, like opera tours for children, cooking classes, and lesser-known parks, and helpful tips are slotted in throughout.