Children’s books in English, translated into French for young readers
- Are you a French publisher looking to bring English-language children’s books to French-speaking readers?
- Are you an author or rights holder seeking a translator who understands both the English source and the French-speaking audience?
Content that reads well in English doesn’t automatically read well in French
English children’s books carry their own rhythms, cultural references, and register choices. A technically accurate translation rarely preserves what made the original work: the way the language sounds to a child, the lightness of the humour, the precise feel of the vocabulary.
Producing a French version that reads as naturally as the English original requires deep familiarity with the source language and an understanding of how French children engage with text.
You’ll receive a translation that reads as the original was meant to feel
A French text that preserves the author’s voice and narrative style, adapted naturally to French literary conventions and calibrated to the vocabulary and reading level of the intended age group. Ready for editorial review and publication.
A translator with deep roots in both languages and in the classroom
Teaching English every day gives me an unusually close relationship with the source language: its idioms, its register shifts, the vocabulary choices that carry particular weight for young readers. That knowledge informs every translation decision. It also means I can offer something most translators cannot: bilingual editions that embed language learning in the story itself, and classroom resources that bring the published book into teaching use.
English language specialist
Professional teaching experience gives me an intimate understanding of how English functions at every level of the text.
Published translator
Work produced to the editorial standards of established French publishing houses.
Classroom-informed approach
Day-to-day experience of how children read means I know which words, rhythms, and references will reach young French readers.
Trusted by these publishing houses
The children’s books translation process
What I can help you with
Translation
A complete translation of your children’s book, from English into French. Faithful to the author’s voice and written to read naturally for young readers of the target language.
Bilingual adaptation
A book written primarily in one language, with carefully chosen words or phrases from the other language woven into the text and visually marked, so that children encounter a second language naturally through the story, without interrupting the reading experience. Available in both directions: English text with French insertions, or French text with English insertions.
Teaching & learning resources
Vocabulary activities, worksheets, classroom exercises, and teacher notes built around a children’s book. Available as a standalone commission for an existing publication, or as an addition to a translation or bilingual project.
Have a look at my portfolio
Here is the translation work completed for Miscellane – Merci les Livres.
Bedtime Tales Unicorn
English to French translation. French title : “Au lit Petite Licorne”. Published by Miscellane. Author: AmyMcHugh. Reading age: 2 years and up.
Bedtime Tales Cat
English to French translation. French title: “Au lit Petit Chat”. Published by Miscellane. Author: Amy McHugh. Reading age: 2 years and up.
Guess Who? Merry Christmas to you
English to French translation. French title : “Toc-Toc ! Qui est là ? Joyeux Noël”. Published by Miscellane. Author: Katie Woolley. Reading age: 3 years and up.
Tell me about your project
Whether you are a French publisher seeking to acquire an English-language children’s book or an author looking to reach French-speaking readers, I would be glad to discuss your project. I respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.
FAQ
What is a bilingual edition and how does it work?
A bilingual edition, as I produce it, is a book written primarily in one language with selected words or phrases from the second language woven naturally into the text. These insertions are visually marked, through color, underlining, or another design choice agreed with the author or publisher, so that young readers encounter the second language as part of the story rather than as a separate exercise. I work in both directions: English text with French insertions, and French text with English insertions. The level and frequency of insertions can be calibrated to the age group and the learning intention of the book.
Can I commission teaching resources without a translation project?
Yes. If you already have a published or translated children’s book and would like classroom materials to accompany it, I am happy to work on that independently. Resources can include vocabulary activities, worksheets, comprehension exercises, and teacher notes, developed to the reading level and vocabulary stage of the intended age group.
How do you handle cultural references that may not resonate with readers of the target language?
Where a cultural reference is specific to one language context, a place name, a food, a turn of phrase, I assess whether to adapt it, retain it with light contextual support, or flag it for discussion with the author or editor. The approach depends on whether the reference is incidental or central to the text. Any significant changes are documented and submitted for approval before final delivery.
Do you work directly with publishers or with authors?
Both. I work with publishers acquiring children’s titles for translation or bilingual adaptation, and with authors and illustrators who wish to commission work independently. The process and timeline are agreed at the outset depending on the nature of the project.
What is your typical delivery timeline?
This depends on the length and complexity of the text and on any constraints specific to the format. Timelines are agreed at the start of each project. I am happy to discuss your schedule during our initial consultation.
Do you offer revisions?
Yes. A revision round is included in every project. Additional rounds can be discussed depending on the scope of the changes requested.
How do we begin working together?
Use the contact form or send me an email. I respond to all enquiries within 48 hours to discuss your project, timeline, and requirements.