Western Europe

This engaging biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of an icon in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Anne Frank, whose courage and hope during a time of terror are still an inspiration for people around the world today. While Anne and her family hid in an attic during the Holocaust, she kept a journal about all her hopes and fears and observations. That journal and the story of her life are still read and told today to remember the life of a young girl and warn against the consequences of bigotry.

The story of Strega Nona's good-hearted but clumsy helper, Big Anthony, is told, and follows him from his childhood to when, as a young man, he accidentally fixes the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

This is the story of a little French girl called Madeline who is schooled at a Parisian convent along with eleven other girls. Miss Clavel is their primary teacher and caregiver and oversees their meals, their daytime walks around Paris, their visits to the Zoo and other places and of course their bedtimes. Once, in the very middle of the night Miss Clavel is awoken by crying from the girl’s dormitory and finds that Madeline is in considerable pain. She is rushed quite suddenly to the hospital where she has her appendix taken out. Madeline’s friends visit her at the hospital and are delighted to see the toys, gifts and attention that is being lavished on Madeline by her Papa. Moreover, Madeline shows them her operational scar with great pride.

London – the perfect place for a girl and her mother to spend the day! Follow them as they board the classic red bus and begin a whirlwind tour of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Try to climb the awe-inspiring lions at Trafalgar Square, take in the ritualistic Changing of the Guard, experience the whispering gallery at St Paul’s and – if you’re lucky – you may even spot the Queen! In this paean to Britain's bright and bustling capital city, Salvatore Rubbino's fresh, lively paintings and breezy text capture the delight of a young visitor experiencing the wonders of London first-hand. And of course, what’s London without a little rain?

Paris – the most beautiful city in the world! The most romantic! It’s the perfect place for a girl and her grandad to spend the day. Join them as they explore Paris’s iconic landmarks and experience its culture and style first-hand: visit a traditional street market, climb to the top of Notre-Dame, wander through the Tuileries Gardens and gaze up at the Eiffel Tower. Salvatore Rubbino's friendly text and fresh, lively illustrations beautifully capture the delight of a young visitor experiencing the wonders of Paris – the City of Lights!