The character
Martine, a friend since 1954
Born from Marcel Marlier's pencil and Gilbert Delahaye's pen, Martine accompanies children the world over through her everyday adventures, full of gentleness and curiosity.
- First book
- 1954First book
- Books published
- 60+Books published
- Books sold
- 160 MBooks sold
- Global children's licence
- 7thGlobal children's licence
The story
A publishing phenomenon
It all began in 1954 with "Martine at the Farm". The success was immediate and has never faded: the series became one of the most-read in French-language children's literature.
A complementary duo, Gilbert Delahaye (the texts) and Marcel Marlier (the illustrations) built a world in which each book explores a theme close to a child's life.
Translated into numerous languages and sold in over 160 million copies, Martine stands as the 7th biggest children's literature licence in the world.
The creative duo
Gilbert Delahaye — the author, who imagines the stories and texts.
Marcel Marlier — the illustrator, who gives Martine her face and her world.
Together, they created a timeless body of work that has crossed generations.
The themes
Adventures at a child's eye level
Everyday life
School, home, travel: Martine explores everyday life.
Nature
Gardens, seasons, the seaside and countryside set the rhythm of her adventures.
Animals
Her faithful dog Patapouf and many four-legged companions.
Discovery
Hobbies, professions and learning, always told with tenderness.
Meet Martine at the museum
The Centre Marcel Marlier opens the doors to her world.