Bonjour and bueiveneve!
The language of love, art, culture, fashion, cooking, dance–French is easily the world’s most beloved language. Perhaps it has something to do with how beautiful the language sounds or the rich cultural history associated with it, or perhaps it is because the French were one of the major colonisers, the French language really took off in all parts of the world. It is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world. It also has the pride of being the working language and official language of the international courts, UNESCO, NATO, United Nations, European Union, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross. It is also the language of Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg–the cities where EU institutions are headquartered. So if you weren’t already on the bandwagon to learn the language, we hope these reasons convince you. And, we’re sure you agree that one of the easiest ways to learn and practice a language is through books. So we went ahead and put together a list of the 12 best books to learn French for beginners, let us take a look:
Book 1: Learn French While You Sleep
A Study Guide With Over 3000 Phrases Including The Most Frequently Used Verbs & Vocabulary
Whether you are planning a trip to France or you want to impress friends over your flair for the language, this is one of the ideal English-French books for beginners. Backed by a scientific approach of how your mind works in its sleepy-subconscious, the author promises readers they will learn French as they sleep! Available in Kindle, Paperback, and audible formats, you can also listen to the words and learn how to pronounce them along the way.
Review: 4.4 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: Beginners learning French phrases and words
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CDM3YGL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4
Book 2: Les Aventures de Tintin
Who doesn’t love Tintin and his little pet? A timeless classic, Tintin the sleuth and his dog go on epic adventures while the comic seamlessly sews together politics, mystery, social commentary, and science fiction at times into the main plot. Tintin comics are representative of all that France is–adventurous, classy, fast-paced when you want it to be, and breezy. Easy to read and appealing to readers of all ages, this is easily one of the best French learning books for beginners.
Review: 4.8 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: Fun reads for beginners in French
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Aventures-Tintin-Boules-Cristal-French/dp/2203001127?tag=fluentu-20
Book 3: French Grammar for Beginners Textbook + Workbook Included
If you think you are ready to speak French but are hesitant about the grammar, pick up this book. Written for beginners, this book, considered one of the best books for French beginners, comes with no-frills and no-fluff grammar lessons that are to the point and concise. The exercises at the end of every lesson helps you strengthen your lesson. This book is a sure shot way fun way to learn the finer technical aspects of French language without making it seem like a chore.
Review: 4.4 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: Beginners looking to learn grammar
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09329KHJ3?tag=uuid10-20
Book 4: Learning French for Beginners
When you are looking for books to learn French for beginners, this one is a simple and easy to digest book ideal for the entire family. The book is a collection of words used in our daily lives like climate, food, transport, animals, and such. The key that makes this one of the best French learning books for beginners is that it comes with an articulation manual so you can nail the pronunciation too.
Review: 3.6 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: Learning basic French words
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091NRDSD3?tag=uuid10-20
Book 5: Learn French for Kids
This one’s for our littlest French learners! Touted as one of the best french learning books for beginners, especially kids, this book comes with fun and engaging exercises and activities that make it perfect for kids. It helps learn commonly used phrases and words through interesting language exercises that you and your child are sure to enjoy together. Psst, we can keep it a secret if you enjoy it too!
Review: 4.1 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: Kids learning French
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1800763107?tag=uuid10-20
Book 6: Learn French with word search puzzles for beginners
Activities and exercises are a sure shot way to make learning any language easier. This book presents word searches in an exciting game that stimulates learning making it one of the best French books for beginners. Whether you are a beginner yourself or helping your child learn the language, you will find that this book is perfect for your needs. What’s more, this book makes learning French a fun activity that people of all ages will enjoy!
Review: 4.1 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: People of all ages, especially kids
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NVHL1SW?tag=uuid10-20
Book 7:Learn French: 6 Books in 1
If there was one book–a set in this case– to master French, then this is it! One could start from level zero and become a fluent French speaker with just this. From simple french story books for beginners to books dedicated to advanced vocabulary, this collection is a comprehensive study of everything you will need to master French. Published by the Dupont Language Institute, this collection enables one to experience French culture through words and vocabulary.
Review: 4.2 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: people looking for a complete French study
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NVHL1SW?tag=uuid10-20
Book 8: French All-in-One For Dummies
Another 6in-1 set, this list wouldn’t be complete without the ‘French for Dummies’ set of books. Complete with French verbs, essentials, phrases for beginners, and intermediate level learners, this set also has an audio set so you never go wrong with the pronunciations. The set offers a thorough study of the language complete with advanced grammar with fun exercises to test yourself. The books are also a virtual peek into French culture so you can experience it first-hand from your living room.
Ideal for: Anyone looking to learn and master French thoroughly
Book 9: Best Short Stories: A Dual-Language Book
Every literature lover knows and adores Guy de Maupassant–so French even in his name! There has been or will be a better representative of all that France stood for during the late 1800s. With more than 300 short stories to his credit, his writing style and elaborate descriptions of seemingly unimportant things offer the perfect window into French culture. This book is a special treat for readers looking for French story books for beginners because it is a dual language book with text in both English and French. This book allows you to absorb the beauty of the plot all the while learning the French equivalent to everything presented in English.
Review: 4.3 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: beginners interested in short stories by Guy de Maupassant
Book 10: Kill The French
If there was ever a perfect French story books for beginners, then this is it! Kill the French is a cleverly planned book that helps you learn French fast and easy. The stories in the book are so simple to understand that even beginners with zero French language can appreciate them. It also helps you with Grammar alongside vocabulary in such an easy way, it almost feels sneaky! With almost 100 short stories in the collection, this book is a great addition to every reader’s library.
Review: 4.6 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: beginners and intermediate French learners with a flair for short stories
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Kill-French-stories-written-transparent/dp/2958022803/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=french+stories+for+beginners&qid=1653620197&s=books&sprefix=french+story+beginn%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C379&sr=1-2
Book 11: Short Stories in French for Beginners
Learning French or any language for that matter through stories is fun because learning a language should be fun and not a drudgery. Short Stories in French for Beginners is that and more–it offers fun alongside learning, so one could pick up this book just for the joy of reading. With 8 amazing stories across genres, this book helps a beginner confidently progress to higher levels. THe stories weave authentic spoken dialogues with learning opportunities so you can improve upon your speaking ability.
Review: 4.7 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: beginners and intermediate learners with a flair for short stories
Amazon link: amazon.com/Short-Stories-French-Beginners-Yourself/dp/1473683432/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=french+stories+for+beginners&qid=1653620197&s=books&sprefix=french+story+beginn%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C379&sr=1-1
Book 12: Learn French with Romantic Stories
French is after all the language of romance and love, and this would be incomplete without a book of romantic stories. What makes this book special is the interlinear French to English translation for every word in the book. Not only the vocabulary, the collection of best romantic tales penned by France’s best authors makes this book a swoon-worthy read for every bibliophile. The book beautifully captures the essence of every story while helping readers learn French.
Review: 4.5 stars (based on Amazon public review)
Ideal for: beginners and intermediate learners with a flair for short stories
Learning any language should be fun, interactive, and effective all at the same time. Every new language opens up a whole new hidden dimension to us and the world of the French is a delightful place that only has adventure and excitement to the ones looking. We hope our list of books give you unforgettable French lessons and experiences. Until then, laissez le bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll).