ZÉKÉYÉ COMES TO SAN FRANCISCO: NATHALIE DIETERLÉ'S RESIDENCY AT THE LYCÉE

At the Lycée Français de San Francisco, we believe that literature is more than reading, it is a gateway to imagination, cultural identity, and lifelong curiosity. This belief came alive in a very special way when we welcomed Nathalie Dieterlé, the renowned French author and illustrator behind the beloved Zékéyé series, for a residency in both our Ashbury and Sausalito campuses that has left a lasting mark on every corner of our school.

Who Is Nathalie Dieterlé?

Nathalie Dieterlé is one of the most celebrated voices in Francophone children's literature. Best known for her Zékéyé series, her work is cherished by generations of young French-speaking readers around the world. Her illustrations are warm, vibrant, and full of life — and her stories carry messages of curiosity, empathy, and wonder that resonate deeply with young audiences.

Her visit to our school is part of our ongoing commitment to bringing major Francophone authors and creators into our community, offering students a direct connection to the rich cultural world their French education opens up for them.

A Residency That Touched students in Preschool and Elementary

What made this residency truly extraordinary is its reach. Over the course of Nathalie's visit, different grade levels, from our preschoolers to our youngest elementary students, on both primary campuses had the opportunity to engage with Nathalie's world in a meaningful and hands-on way.

Preschool ASH: A Collaborative Fresco

Our preschoolers worked alongside Nathalie to create a stunning collaborative fresco that now graces the hallways of our school. Seeing their tiny hands contribute to a shared work of art, guided by a professional illustrator, was a powerful reminder of what creativity looks like when it is nurtured from the very beginning. Stop by and take a look next time you're on campus!

ASH Grade 1: Pop-Up Books and Totem Animals

Students in Gr 1 dove deep into the world of Zékéyé through immersive hands-on workshops. They discovered the technical magic behind pop-up books, learning how a flat page can suddenly leap into three dimensions, and explored the storytelling techniques that bring Nathalie's characters to life.

Each student also chose a personal totem animal, a creature that speaks to their imagination and identity. Next week, they will channel that inspiration into poems and drawings celebrating their chosen animals, a beautiful bridge between visual art and creative writing.

More Than French: Opening Doors to New Passions

Residencies like this one do far more than strengthen French language skills — though they certainly do that too. When students sit across from a working artist, watch her draw, ask her questions, and create something together, they experience firsthand that stories have authors, illustrations have illustrators, and books are made by real people with real passion.

That realization is powerful. It plants seeds. Some of our students may go on to become writers, artists, or storytellers themselves. Others will simply carry with them a deeper love for books and a richer appreciation for Francophone culture. Either way, the doors that open during a visit like this one are doors that stay open for life.

Book Signing Sessions

The book signing sessions are a wonderful success and a great opportunity to mingle with our artist in residence, ask questions and truly appreciate the artist behind the children's book.

A Glimpse Into the Magic

Want to see the fresco, the workshops, and the joy on our students' faces? Browse the full photo gallery on Pixevety and relive the magic of this incredible residency.

The Author in residence program is made possible thank to the Annual Fund.