The Rooster of Notre Dame A Children’s Book Inspired by the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris

One of Paris’s iconic symbols comes to life in this picture book that explores the tragic 2019 fire that destroyed parts of Notre Dame Cathedral as well as the heroic efforts to save the building and its valuable history. Gorgeous full-page illustrations take readers to the top of the cathedral, and into the studios of restoration artists, to tell a story of how Paris’s famous rooster nearly perished and was brought back to life to keep watch over the city.
 

From his perch atop a weathervane, the copper rooster enjoys one of the best views in Paris—even if the wind does blow him around a bit. But one fateful day a fire breaks out. Sirens sound, firefighters unroll their hoses, and the flames lick at his feathers. The rooster plunges to earth, crying out for his beloved partner Esmerelda. Gravely injured, he is discovered under the rubble by a worker who carefully lifts him out of the wreckage and brings him to a busy workroom. Will he be healed? Will he live to preside again over the city he loves, and in the company of Esmerelda? With sweeping views of Paris, dramatic scenes of the devastating fire, and fascinating insights into the restoration process, this storybook helps kids appreciate the historic and symbolic significance of buildings such as Notre Dame. An illustrated appendix provides background information that readers of every age will find useful.
 

Géraldine Elschner is the author of numerous books including The Cat and the Bird and Where Is the Frog? and Funny Machines for George the Sheep (published by Prestel). She lives in Heidelberg, Germany.
 

Rémi Saillard’s illustrations have appeared in numerous magazines and children's books, including Funny Machines for George the Sheep (Prestel). He lives in Strasbourg, France.