NOTRE-DAME: THE WORLD’S CATHEDRAL, by Lynn Curlee, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, May 5, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8 and up)
Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral, by Lynn Curlee, follows the burning and reconstruction of the cherished building.
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. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
People will pick up Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral because of it’s stunning cover. They will read it from beginning to end because it tells a fascinating story.
If you’ve ever been in a large cathedral, you know the feeling of space and grandeur. It feels like a sacred space, even if you don’t worship there.
Author-illustrator Lynn Curlee captures that awe in his painstakingly intricate and beautiful acrylic paintings. His use of space and color transport readers straight to the cathedral floor, roof and beyond.
Curlee’s text is informative and engaging. He not only tells the story of the fire and reconstruction, but gives readers a basic understanding of the architecture and the history surrounding the great edifice.
Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral is a beautiful nonfiction picture book that belongs in classroom and home libraries alike.
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