The creator of Mimi Cracra takes center stage in an exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand

A red dress, two braids and a fearless spirit: Mimi Cracra was one of the stars of the children’s magazine Pomme d’Api. Its creator, Agnès Rosenstiehl, enjoyed great success with this plucky heroine, but also with her inspiring books for young readers. The author and illustrator is being highlighted in a free exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand, from November 3, 2026 to January 25, 2027.

This exhibition looks back at 60 years of creation, 60 years of works that have shaped generations of children. Original drawings, storyboards, and preparatory studies for albums are on display in a curated journey that highlights Agnès Rosenstiehl’s major creations and the influence she has had on the world of children's literature.

Agnès Rosenstiehl began publishing children's books in the 1960s. Her picture book De la coiffure captivates with its imagination, its humor, its originality, and drawings that are at once pared-down and poetic. These qualities recur throughout the author's body of work: she distinguishes herself with a universe that looks simple on the surface but is, in fact, deeply playful and rich.

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In 1976, Agnès Rosenstiehl brought Mimi Cracra to life, a resourceful, curious, and imaginative little girl. The character quickly captured the readers of the magazine Pomme d'Api, and soon the fans of Récré A2 on screen. For more than four decades, across all media, Mimi Cracra has delighted and entertained children. With Mimi Cracra, Agnès Rosenstiehl created an iconic, memorable figure whose adventures spanned generations.

But Agnès Rosenstiehl’s work didn’t stop with that little heroine. The author also made a name for herself with more instructional and scientific titles. She conceived several alphabet books for children, weaving together her linguistic know-how with a fantastical, humorous universe. The Crazy Alphabet is the most celebrated title in this collection, and its success later allowed her to tackle more complex themes, such as civil rights, algebra, and travel...

With this exhibition, the National Library pays tribute to one of France's greatest children’s authors, a creator who has left a lasting mark on the world of children's literature. To introduce this universe to a new generation, or to revisit the characters from your own childhood, don’t miss this free exhibition.