“Madeline” Story and pictures by Ludwig Bemelmans.
The Viking Press, New York, 1939, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
Sometimes, an author creates an unforgettable character. The reason for this is that this character possesses such attractive qualities that generations of readers keep being drawn to her. Usually books bridging generations do not play to current fads but rather look at enduring values, and 75 years ago, such a character was created.
Ludwig Bemelmans graced the world with his charming and mischievous character, Madeline. Children since then have clapped their hands to the cadence of the story and enjoyed Madeline’s fearlessness.
The story begins with one of the most famous sentences in children’s literature: “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” What else do these little girls do?
Their teacher is Miss Clavel and she takes the 12 little girls all over Paris to visit the many fascinating sights in the city. On their adventures they see all the life events that are happening in Paris.
First they go in stormy weather past the Eiffel Tower. Second, they smile cheerfully as they walk to the Opera House. But they all frown when they see a policeman chasing a thief. And on their way home they are all sad when they see a wounded soldier on crutches.
But of all the girls, the bravest and most daring is Madeline. When the little girls see some mice, all except Madeline run back to Miss Clavel. But Madeline crawls under the table to touch the small creatures.
On one of their journeys, Miss Clavel takes the girls to the zoo. There, a ferocious tiger growls at the children and all but one run to the safety of their teacher. Madeline stares down the tiger and fearlessly stands in front of the cage.
Needless to say, everyone is impressed with the little firebrand. But late one night, a serious problem develops in the girls’ dormitory. Madeline lies moaning in her bed. Miss Clavel hurries up to the room and tries to figure out what is going on. She quickly understands that Madeline is very ill. Quickly she calls Dr. Cohn and he rushes to the scene. He calls his nurse and wraps up Madeline and takes her to the hospital. Late that night, she goes into surgery.
What happens to Madeline? How do the rest of the little girls handle the situation? Does Madeline quickly recover from the operation? What happens when the girls visit her in the hospital? Have you ever acted with courage and daring? Why do you think Madeline has these characteristics? To find out, go to the library and check out this children’s literature classic, “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans.
This is one of the great picture books to read out loud with children. There is a fascinating cadence to the story that is endearing to children. The pictures are simple but very enjoyable. You root for Madeline and applaud her plucky personality. The ending of this story is absolutely delightful.
Bemelmans published a total of seven Madeline books and each title has its own charm. Bemelmans was twice awarded the Caldecott Medal by the American Library Association for the outstanding contribution of art in a children’s book. This book, “Madeline,” won the Caldecott Honor Medal in 1940, and the second in the series, “Madeline’s Rescue,” won the Caldecott Gold Medal in 1954. Make sure you read one of these books to the young children in your family. They simply can’t be beat. Enjoy!
