Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral
Author & Illustrator: Lynn Curlee
Published May 5th, 2026 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Summary: A fascinating visual history of Notre-Dame, “the World’s Cathedral,” that highlights the burning and reconstruction of the cherished building from award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee.
On April 15, 2019, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris was almost destroyed by fire, an event that shocked and riveted the entire world as it played out in real time on TV and across the internet.
The story of the fire and its aftermath, along with the rebuilding of the historic cathedral, offers an exciting narrative around which Lynn Curlee builds an illustrated story for middle grade readers about this internationally cherished monument.
In the way that only he can, Lynn illuminates captivating information about cathedrals, gothic architecture, French history, restoration of old buildings, heroism under fire, and even Quasimodo, the famous Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
★ “This handsome offering goes far beyond covering the story of the devastating 2019 fire that
destroyed the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. . . Currently the only book available on this subject
for middle-grade readers, this will be an attractive addition for all collections.” – Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“Soaring tributes to both the building and the workers who preserved it.” – Kirkus Reviews
About the Creator: LYNN CURLEE was educated as an art historian and worked as a fine artist for many years before he began to make children’s books. Three of his books, Capital, Liberty, and Rushmore, were chosen by the Barbara Bush Literacy Campaign as their Book of the Year in three consecutive years. Mr. Curlee has won numerous awards for his work, including but not limited to a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (Brooklyn Bridge), Orbis Pictus Award (Rushmore), ALA Notable Books for Children (Liberty), and Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year (Parthenon). His other books include Ballpark, Trains, Mythological Creatures, and Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He lives in Norwich, Connecticut, with his partner and two Great Danes. Find out more on Instagram @LynnCurlee.
Review: This book is beautiful and fascinating! I learned so much about Notre-Dame and Parisian history. I also found the parts about the fire and restoration of the cathedral so interested!
I had not read any Lynn Curlee before this one, and I have now set a goal to read more because I loved the way that he brought his passion for the topic into both the text and the illustrations. Sadly, there is a not in the back from the editor that shares that in early 2025, Lynn Curlee fell “ill and is unable to continue working” and “this book is likely Lynn’s last book.” I am happy to say that this final book is definitely one to be proud of.
Educators’ Tools for Navigation: This book has so much for educators!
First, it could be used for a read aloud. It is pretty text heavy, so would probably be for older readers, but chunking this like a chapter book would be a fascinating read aloud.
Second, I loved the vocabulary and glossary in this book. It is a great way to discuss vocabulary in nonfiction text.
Third, this book could be used for a mentor text to create their own nonfiction text about something they are interested in.
Fourth, this book would be a great support for any class learning about gothic architecture–I learned so much!
Fifth, make a timeline!
Sixth, do a book club with his other titles in this set then let students share with the class what they learned about their topic.
I just would love to see this text in classrooms and libraries; I hope you grab it!
Discussion Questions:
- How did the Parisians change their view of the cathedral during the 900 years it has been around?
- Why was the restoration project so successful versus others that took longer?
- Why is Notre Dame’s architecture so special?
- How did Victor Hugo’s book affect the treatment of the cathedral?
- Why is the cathedral so important to modern Paris?
- How is our modern technology and advancements negatively affecting Notre-Dame?
- How do you think the author chose which parts of the cathedral to include as illustrations?
- Why do you think the author chose to jump around time-wise in the book?
Flagged Spreads:
Read This If You Love: Architecture, History, Nonfiction Picture Books for Older Readers
Recommended For:
**Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review!**
