Yes, for ambitious beginners. Le Petit Nicolas by Goscinny and Sempé is told in short, funny stories in a schoolboy's voice, so you get simple, childlike French with chapter-sized goals and drawings to lift your spirits.
- Level
- Beginner
- Format
- Book
- Year
- 1960
Why it works for learners
Nicolas tells each story as a child would, with long chains joined by "and" rather than complex grammar. You meet classroom and family vocabulary and hear a child's idea of right and wrong. Every story stands alone, so you finish something quickly and can start anywhere. Because he does not understand adult behaviour but you do, the humour comes through even if your French is limited, and that feels great.
What makes it hard
This is a 1960s French childhood, so some school customs and slang are dated. His run-on sentences can be long for a beginner, and passé composé runs throughout. Children's expressions such as chouette may also not be in a basic course.
How to use it
Read one story in several short sittings, and read it aloud so that his run-on rhythm starts to make sense. Reread favourites. Note the recurring friends and what each is known for, as those jokes come back from story to story.
More for French learners: our French guides.
Keep it where you'll see it
Save Little Nicholas (stories) and log every episode or chapter toward your French hours. Free for one language.
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