Looking for free French books for children? We've gathered 23 free French kids books in PDF, organized by age: fairy tales for young children, classic adventures, and novels for teens.
These stories have helped children learn French through reading for generations. From Le Petit Prince and fairy tales by Charles Perrault to adventure novels like L'Île au trésor and Le Tour du Monde en Quatre-Vingts Jours.
Browse by age group or start with our fairy tales. Every book is free to read online or download in PDF format.
French Fairy Tales and Short Stories for Young Children
Short stories perfect for bedtime reading. These classic French fairy tales have been part of children's education for centuries.
You'll find nine tales by Charles Perrault, La Fontaine's famous fables, and enchanting stories by the Comtesse de Ségur.
Nine classic French fairy tales in a beautifully illustrated edition created by France's Ministry of Education. Includes Le Petit Chaperon Rouge, Cendrillon, La Belle au Bois Dormant, Peau d'Âne, and more.
A collection of fairy tales by the author of Beauty and the Beast. Includes La Belle et la Bête and other enchanting stories written specifically for children by one of France's earliest children's authors.
The first four books of La Fontaine's famous Fables — from La Cigale et la Fourmi to Le Corbeau et le Renard. Short, memorable animal stories that have been a cornerstone of French children's education for centuries.
Original fairy tales written specifically for young children by the Comtesse de Ségur. Features five enchanting stories including Histoire de Blondine and La Petite Souris Grise — gentler and more age-appropriate than the Grimm or Perrault traditions.
The heartwarming story of a young girl growing up in the Swiss Alps. This French translation captures all the warmth of the original, from Heidi's life with her grandfather to her adventures in Frankfurt and joyful return to the mountains.
Adventures that build vocabulary and keep kids turning pages. From the mysteries of a hidden garden to Mowgli's jungle, these books make reading in French fun.
This section includes Les Malheurs de Sophie, one of the most beloved French children's books ever written.
One of the most beloved French children's books ever written. Sophie is a mischievous little girl whose curiosity leads to one mishap after another — from melting her wax doll to cutting off her eyebrows. Funny, warm, and a perfect introduction to classic French literature for kids.
Novels that challenge young readers with longer stories and richer vocabulary. From Tom Sawyer on the Mississippi to a shipwreck on a treasure island, these books reward patience.
This section includes Sans Famille by Hector Malot, often called the French Oliver Twist.
The quintessential French children's novel. Young Rémi is sold to a traveling musician and journeys across France with a troupe of performing animals. A gripping story of resilience, friendship, and the search for family — often compared to Oliver Twist.
Full-length classics for teens ready to read real French literature. Adventure, survival, and social commentary from authors like Mark Twain, Jules Verne, and Jack London.
Captain John Carter is mysteriously transported to Mars, where he discovers a world of warring civilizations, strange creatures, and a captive princess. A thrilling sci-fi adventure that launched one of the most famous series in pulp fiction.
The ultimate survival story. Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked alone on a deserted island and must build a life from nothing — shelter, tools, food, and eventually companionship with Friday. This French translation by Pétrus Borel preserves all the detail and suspense of Defoe's original.