Final day: American authors and illustrators A–Z summer reading challenge
2026-08-29 12:00 (Europe/Paris) | The American Library in Paris
The summer reading challenge for kids ages 0–12 (open to Library members)
20 June–29 August 2026
Read books by these American authors and illustrators* and win prizes!
(Reading together counts! Ask a parent or guardian to read to you!)
Read books by 10 different authors and illustrators on our list and win a new book from our selection.
Read one book by an author or illustrator from each letter on our list of authors A–Z to win two books and a tote bag.
All participants will be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Print and fill out the American Authors and Illustrators A–Z Summer Reading Challenge Sheet and turn it in at the Children’s and Teens’ Services Desk at the American Library in Paris to collect your prize. All challenges must be submitted by 29 August at 12h00. Open to Library members only. All challenges must be completed using books by authors on the Library’s list of American authors and illustrators* and win prizes!
*There are many more American authors and illustrators than those listed, but only books by authors on this list count toward the summer reading challenge.

Story Hour: Welcome to the Library (ages 3–5)
2026-09-02 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for tales of visiting the library, borrowing books, and story time readings! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw and But Excuse Me, That Is My Book by Lauren Child(pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Me on the Map (ages 3–5)
2026-09-09 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
or this program, join us for tales of maps, geography, and navigating the world around us! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable and What a Map Can Do by Gabrielle Balkan and Alberto Lot (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-09-10 11:00 - 11:30 | The American Library in Paris
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Loops by Jashar Awan (pictured here), which will be featured during this session.
Toddler Time sessions are hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members, and include age-appropriate stories selected by the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ librarians. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Hat Day (ages 3–5)
2026-09-16 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for fun, silly and magical headwear of all kinds! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, illustrated by Tricia Tusa and This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes. Everyone is encouraged to wear a hat!
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: City Life (ages 3–5)
2026-09-20 14:30
For this program, join us for tales of living, exploring and discovering the city! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Saturday by Oge Mora and Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Sydney Smith (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Black Artist Collective: A Traveling Showcase of Award-Winning Children's Book Authors and Illustrators (ages 5–adult)
2026-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join eight Black American authors and illustrators for an exciting evening of conversation about their books for children and teens! This evening event will feature short author readings, sneak peeks at the writing or illustrating process of each of the creators and a discussion about Paris as inspiration. Meet Paula Chase, Judy Allen Dodson, Sharon G. Flake, Ekua Holmes, E.B. Lewis, Ebony L. Mudd, Kelly Starling Lyons, and Tricia Elam Walker during this dynamic, and exciting event! The evening will wrap up with a book signing and reception with light refreshments and drinks.
All eight authors will sign books at this event, and books will be available for purchase at the Library.
This event is intended for children, teens, and adults ages 5+. Attendees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons.
This event is free and open to the public, and registration is required. Attendees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons.
Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Important information: The discussion will be available in person only. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Attendees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons.

Story Hour: Teddy Bears and Blankies (ages 3–5)
2026-09-30 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for tales of comfort toys, security blankets and objects that make us feel safe! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Found by Salina Yoon, and Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Maddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Little People Big Dreams Day with Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara (ages 4–adult)
2026-10-03 11:00 - 12:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join Little People, BIG DREAMS creator and author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara for a morning reading, then she’ll talk about the beginnings of the series, what inspires her, and what figures she might write about next. An audience Q&A will follow, with fun activity sheets and stickers for the audience to take away with them. Ms. Sánchez Vegara will sign books at this event, and books will be available for purchase at the Library.
About the author: About the author: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara is the author and creator of the internationally best-selling series Little People, BIG DREAMS. Her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture. Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director in constant search of new concepts for children’s books. Her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture. It took Maria Isabel almost 40 years and most of her savings to make her dream of publishing a book come true. In 2012, after 20 years of working in advertising, she self-published her first book. Two years later, she released what was meant to be a birth present for her twin nieces, Alba and Claudia: the very first title in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. The series was first published in Spain as Pequeña & GRANDE by Alba Editorial, and now Little People, BIG DREAMS is translated into more than 40 languages.
This event is free for Library members and 15€ per person for non-members.

Important information: Attendees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Please arrive between 10h30–11h00 to check in for this event. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 may participate in a Library on their own, as long as a parent or guardian over the age of 18 is readily available on the Library premises, however caregivers are encouraged to attend and enjoy the event with their children. Participants are welcome to arrive early or stay after the program to chat with other readers, and to find new books in our collections. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
