AFD Library Picks: February 2026

Mamie Polar : Ramdam au musée - Régis Delpeuch

This engaging middle-grade mystery combines humour, suspense, and social awareness. Mamie Jo is a refreshingly modern grandmother whose curiosity and independence drive the story forward. The contrast between Lucas’s quiet, introspective nature and Camille’s bold confidence adds emotional nuance and allows a wide range of readers to identify with the characters.

The disappearance of Momo, a homeless man, gives the novel depth, encouraging readers to think about empathy, responsibility, and how society treats those on the margins. While the tone remains accessible and often funny, the story does not shy away from meaningful questions. The fast-paced investigation and witty secondary characters—particularly the overwhelmed Captain Duflair—keep readers invested.

Well suited for middle-grade readers, this book works both as an entertaining mystery and as a conversation starter on social issues and intergenerational cooperation.

Quand mamie avait mon âge - Gilles Bonotaux and Hélène Lasserre

Step back to the 1940s with this charming illustrated book, where children discover how life used to be. Grandma walked carefully to school, greeting neighbours and behaving properly—unlike mischievous boys balancing on walls or sending paper boats down the gutters like tiny sinking ships. Once a week, she took a bath in a big zinc tub and rinsed her hair with vinegar, a daily ritual that seems extraordinary to young readers today. Through vivid snapshots of everyday life, this book invites children to compare past and present, sparking conversations with grandparents and helping them reflect on the passage of time. 

Ideal for ages 6–10, it combines humour, history, and family warmth in an accessible and engaging way.

Mamie en Miette - Florence Aubry’s

Mamie en miettes is a tender and deeply moving story that explores family dynamics, emotional resilience, and the quiet struggles that often go unnoticed at home. The narrative follows Gaëlle, a young girl coming to terms with the growing tensions and silent pain in her household, particularly surrounding her grandmother. Through Gaëlle’s honest and heartfelt perspective, readers witness her journey of understanding, empathy, and personal growth. Florence Aubry’s writing is poignant yet accessible, blending sensitivity with a realistic portrayal of everyday challenges, making the emotional journey both relatable and compelling.

The opening line, “Je m’appelle Gaëlle et je ne supporte plus mon reflet dans la glace,” immediately draws the reader into the intensity of Gaëlle’s inner world, setting the tone for a story that balances vulnerability, courage, and hope. The book also gently introduces themes such as intergenerational relationships, communication, and mental health awareness.