Madame Eiffel: The Love Story of the Eiffel Tower

Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower, yet no one knows the love story that led to its construction. Author Alice Brière-Haquet and illustrator Csil have pooled their creative talents to tell this touching story about overcoming hardship with clever invention fueled by love. Mr. and Mrs. Eiffel are a happy couple enjoying living in the most romantic city in the world, Paris. Until one day, Mrs. Eiffel begins to feel desperately unwell. The experts are unanimous: the only thing that can save her is fresh air. Her husband, a bright engineer, decides he will take matters into his own hands and build a tower that will reach the clouds in an attempt to restore her health.

Csil's poetically minimal illustrations in black, white, and pink are incredibly evocative, and Alice Brière-Haquet's words are a delight to read aloud.