Mr Leon's Paris
on Goodreads (48)
What’s inside...
This delightful tale takes the reader on a trip around the world while never leaving Paris. Mr Leon, a Parisian taxi driver, spends his days ferrying colorful characters to destinations that correspond to his passengers' personalities and nationalities. From behind the wheel of his little yellow taxi, Mr Leon travels the world, from the North Pole to the Eiffel Tower to the Congo. Eventually, Mr Leon decides to explore the real places after which the streets in Paris are named. After putting his taxi up for sale, Mr Leon sets sail for Liberty Street and beyond, marking the beginning of his world adventures.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr Leon
Discussion points
What places did Mr. Leon visit in Paris? Which one would you like to go to and why?
How do you think Mr. Leon felt when he was exploring Paris? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What are some ways Mr. Leon helped the people he met in the story? How can we help others around us?
Why is it important to have adventures, like Mr. Leon’s trip to Paris? What do you think he learned from his adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences of visiting new places or helping others.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeper about the themes of exploration and kindness in the book.
Discuss the significance of cultural landmarks and experiences, perhaps comparing them with your local culture or places you have visited as a family.
Use a world map or a map of Paris to locate the places Mr. Leon visited, making the reading experience more interactive and educational.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Through Mr. Leon's encounters with the diverse inhabitants of Paris, the book illustrates the beauty of a multicultural society.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Mr. Leon extends kindness to the people he meets, helping and interacting with them, which enriches his own experiences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of helping others and encourages them to be kind and considerate in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Mr. Leon's journey through Paris showcases his curiosity as he explores different neighborhoods and experiences the city's culture.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, explore new places, and learn from their experiences.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The story captures the joy found in simple activities and the beauty of everyday moments as seen through Mr. Leon’s explorations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to find happiness in simple, everyday activities and to cherish the small moments that make life beautiful.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: As he navigates challenges in his journey, Mr. Leon shows resilience, adapting to circumstances with optimism.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain positive and resilient when facing their own challenges, learning to adapt and overcome obstacles.