Mr Leon's Paris

Bonjour....I'm Monsieur Leon Mr Leon, a Parisian taxi driver of many years, spends his days ferrying colourful characters to designations corresponding 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. Until that is, Mr Leon decides it's time 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; even the moon if the wind is good... An extraordinary illustrator's UK debut. This book contains a new map of Paris drawn by Barroux specially for this English language edition. The hardback edition maintains the original, beautiful French end papers. AGES: 5+ AUTHOR: Born in Paris, Barroux spent most of his childhood in North Africa. On returning to France, Barroux studied photography, art, sculpture, and architecture at the famous Ecole Estienne and Ecole Boule. He went on to work as an art director in Paris, Montreal and New-York. While in Montreal, Barroux began illustrating by creating linocut images. He is now very well-known in France and North America for his illustrations for children's books and the media. His work has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post and Forbes; and he has illusrated many children's books. Motivated by interesting colour palette and the imagination, Barroux prefers to work in traditional mediums, mixing linocut, pencil and acrylic. REVIEWS: Mr Leon's Paris is an ode to what makes the city great, from its sights to its people. I particularly liked how it brings to life the French's cultural heritage, bringing elements from its colonial past (North Africa) and overseas territories (Tahiti). This is not that usual in French picture books. The artwork is beautiful, using a retro palette of colours but with a slightly faded effect, and is so full of detail that it will have little readers engrossed. Look out particularly for the map of Paris at the end, which was drawn by Barroux for this edition. This is a wonderfully stylish book which will work as a great introduction to the city for the little globetrotters. I would definitely recommend Mr Leon's Paris if you intend to bring your family to Paris, or simply if you are dreaming to do so!? - Library Mice, May 2012 Colour illustrations