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Madeline #1

Madeline

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Light wear to the covers. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging.

44 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

Ludwig Bemelmans

162 books415 followers
Ludwig Bemelmans was an Austrian author, an internationally known gourmand, and a writer and illustrator of children's books. He is most noted today for his Madeline books, six of which were published from 1939-1961. A seventh was discovered after his death and published posthumously in 1999.

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5 stars
114,302 (53%)
4 stars
56,656 (26%)
3 stars
33,137 (15%)
2 stars
7,391 (3%)
1 star
3,469 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,386 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa of Troy.
779 reviews6,638 followers
August 23, 2024
This might be pedestrian, but there is just something about rhyming that gets me every time. This classic children’s story is set in Paris, and the illustrations of France’s most iconic landmarks are top notch.

Madeline is the bravest girl of them all when she falls ill. I always have to give props to an author who depicts women as strong and no nonsense.

*SPOILER ALERT AND A CONSPIRACY THEORY*

Now, I have read this book probably a dozen times. This morning, an alternate ending came to mind. In the beginning of the book, we find Madeline in “an old house in Paris” as one of twelve girls. The leader of the girls appears to be a Miss Clavel who is dressed as a nun. This gives me the impression that Madeline is at an orphanage. However, when Madeline is recovering from her operation, there is a mountain of presents from Papa. What if Papa is supposed to represent God? What if Madeline never survived her operation and she died? Miss Clavel ends the book by saying, “Good night, little girls! Thank the lord you are well! And now go to sleep!” This makes me wonder…..or maybe I have been reading way too many books.

Overall, a delightful children’s story and a quick fix for all those who love rhymes.

This is one of James Mustich’s 1,000 Books to Read

2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal

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Profile Image for Stacey B.
390 reviews177 followers
October 20, 2022
I SHOCKED MY MOTHER
My mother just gave me a box filled with many of the books she used to read to me as a child.
Madeline was one of my most favorites, which happened to be laying on the top.
Looking at it so many years later, I said- "Mom, watch this"....
and preceded to recite the whole book to her by memory.
She was impressed, but not more than I.
And, in that one special moment,
my mother said..
"Stacey, why couldn't you have done this in school."
//
There are some children who think the px are scary, which as I look today, I can see why.
As a child, I was afraid of the dark and had to sleep with the hall light on, yet this book never phased me.
Its adorable to see which books children will memorize.
Profile Image for Alex.
1,418 reviews4,826 followers
June 1, 2018
On a recent morning the grandmothers got into a contest: who can remember more of Madeline by heart. They both did very well. My wife and I are getting there. Madeline means a lot to us, partly because we grew up with it, and partly because on our kid's stomach is also a scar - his guts were like all in the wrong place or whatever - so it has Special Meaning for us.


I'm the one on the left. I know it's hard to tell.

But also it means a lot to our kid, who if you show him Madeline and any other book in the world will definitely pick Madeline, and if you show him two different books he may very well just complain until you go get Madeline. He loves this book, and we don't know why. He doesn't speak English and he's never been to Paris. Maybe he likes that Joanne and I collapse in hysterics every time we get to the doctor dialing DAN-ton ten six, which by the way is also the name of our imaginary children's band, but this is far from the only children's book that makes us collapse in hysterics. We think he has an eye for design - he also likes Charley Harper and Andy Warhol, don't ask, or go ahead and ask, what do I care, the answer is we're pretentious - so maybe it's just those terrific evocative scribbles of Bemelmans'. They're incredible, right? This one is my favorite, Notre Dame in rain.



Who cares why, anyway, this is his very first favorite book and he has impeccable taste so far. Some day maybe he'll read it to his kid, and he'll know it by heart too.
Profile Image for Trina.
906 reviews3,892 followers
July 18, 2016
I read this for BookTubeAThon to fulfill the "read a book older than you" challenge. I remember having and reading this book as a kid, but now I'm kind of confused about what a kid would get out of the story. I guess it's just fun with the pictures and rhymes, but I didn't see much meaning (other than copy your friends? Wish you have an illness to be one of the cool kids?). I really have no idea how to rate this as an adult.
Profile Image for PattyMacDotComma.
1,660 reviews984 followers
April 17, 2022
5★
“In an old house in Paris
that was covered with vines
lived twelve little girls in two straight lines”


Someone mentioned this recently, and I can't believe I hadn't added one of my all-time favourite children’s books to my list! I remember my mother reading it to me, and I loved reading it to my children and grandchildren. I used to be able to recite most of it.

The rhyming is not strictly the same all the way through, but it is lyrical and almost impossible not to read aloud. The story follows the little girls through their days as they go walking around Paris, come rain or shine. There are scenes from all over the city.
“the smallest one was Madeline”

On the iconic cover, Miss Clavel, their teacher, is holding the hands of two girls. Knowing the story as I do, I suspect that she is really trying to hang onto Madeline, who is already looking adventurously off to the side.

Miss Clavel doesn’t miss a trick! She knows how brave Madeline is, compared to the other girls.

“To the tiger in the Zoo
Madeline just said, ‘Pooh-pooh’”


At least the tiger is in a cage, so Madeline isn’t at great risk. Bemelmans shows, with just a few simple strokes that the city has other dangers.

“and nobody knew so well
how to frighten Miss Clavel.”


Note Madeline teetering on the wall while Miss Clavel has her hand raised to her brow in despair. There’s almost no picture, and yet it says everything. Every child who sees this understands it.

One night, Miss Clavel wakes suddenly.

“In the middle of the night
Miss Clavel turned on the light
and said ‘Something is not right!’


Madeline is crying in pain. The doctor whisks her away to hospital to have her appendix removed. When the class visits her in hospital, Madeline is happy, glorying in the gifts and attention.

“and the dollhouse from Papa”

That night, Miss Clavel is startled awake again, and we see the same image of her in bed, exclaiming as before.

She already has one child in hospital – what next? The illustrations of her rushing to put her habit on and racing down the long hallway are perfect! There is a series of her stretching ever further as she hurries.

“And afraid of a disaster Miss Clavel ran fast

and faster!”


Of course, the remaining eleven little girls “want to have our appendix out, too!” And then comes the part I remember so fondly, because my mother used to say it often, hoping we would be quiet and go to sleep. I leave the words with the illustration so you can see them fade softly down to a whisper.

‘Good night, little girls!
Thank the lord you are well!
And now go to sleep!’

said Miss Clavel.
and she turned out the light –
and closed the door –
and that’s all there is –
there isn’t any more.”


Still a favourite! Madeline had some more adventures in other books, and there’s all kinds of merchandise and games. But it’s this book that sticks in my memory. Just the best. Today I still sometimes say:

She turned out the light – and closed the door – and that’s all there is – there isn’t any more.
Profile Image for Calista.
4,868 reviews31.3k followers
May 14, 2018
I missed this when I was adding old books I read, so I got this book to re-read to be sure. I did read this as a child where I distinctly remember laughing over and over again at Madeline saying 'Pooh-Pooh' to the tiger at the zoo. Funny thing is, both the kids laugh at that same line to this day.

This was a Newbery Honor book which shows you how awards boards can get things wrong. This is still one of the most popular books and it should have won, which is why they gave Madeline to the rescue the Medal when it came out to make up for their miss, I assume.

A beloved classic of mine. It's nice to share with a whole new generation. Maybe this is where my France obsession came from. probably a seed planted.
Profile Image for Hilary .
2,294 reviews459 followers
March 31, 2020
My original review has disappeared.

This is an old favourite of both my children and one I absolutely loved reading myself. This is a lovely story that has the feel of one that has been made up for someone in particular. I wonder if Bemelmans had a young relative who experienced a ruptured appendix?

We loved the drawings, the black, white and yellow ones, quite slapdash and the sort of ones that give you confidence that you could have a go at this yourself and the wonderful scenes with colour that are misty and impressionistic. We enjoyed the awkward and in places, plain silly rhyming, and we loved the setting of the school in France.

A wonderful bedtime story, get your French Nun's accent ready! A very fun read aloud!
Profile Image for Manybooks.
3,490 reviews104 followers
January 2, 2023
Now I only very very rarely consider an adaptation (or a translation) better than the original, but I will absolutely and gladly have to make an exception to said general rule here. For while I do and with all my heart adore Ludwig Bemelmans' expressive and detailed illustrations (that simply shine and glow with the spirit of Paris, with the spirit of both time and place, of the many specific Parisian landmarks), the same cannot, unfortunately, be said with regard to his accompanying verses, which while indeed sweet and expressive, often do seem to present rhyme schemes that read haltingly at best, that appear as far from smooth. And with this salient fact and personal annoyance in mind, I have actually (and yes for me rather surprisingly and intriguingly) found this here 1985 French language translation of Madeline (which in French appears as it should, as Madeleine) by Christian Poslaniec considerably better and above all more lyrically polished than Bemelmans' at times rather annoyingly awkward original English language verses, providing ALL the content of the latter, but avoiding the at times woefully lacking rhyme scheme (or rather, using a rhyme scheme that is much more humorously and tenderly poetic, and above all, less choppy and potentially frustrating).

And truly, for me as an adult reader (who never did read or had Madeline read to me as a child), while the unevenness of the rhymes and the at times almost painful artificialness of the original does have the annoying tendency to feel rather majorly distracting and to the point of even making me feel a bit like an outsider looking in, a bit disconnected from Madeline and her friends, this has been utterly and yes very much fortunately avoided with and by Christian Poslaniec's brilliant and for me in all ways considerably more lyrically masterful French language translation (or perhaps one should call it an adaptation), leaving nothing but unfettered, complete joy and appreciation. Thus, I would and do actually and even gladly recommend the French translation (Madeleine) above and beyond Ludwig Bemelmans' original (but with the caveat that the text, that Christian Poslaniec's words indeed do appear entirely in French, and while not in any way overly difficult and overly involved, an elementary fluency, especially with regard to vocabulary and verb forms is nevertheless both suggested and required). Five intensely and forever glowing stars (and yes, definitely a considerably higher ranking than what I granted to the original)!
Profile Image for Sloan.
21 reviews60 followers
August 10, 2011
"In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines
In two straight lines they broke their bread
And brushed their teeth and went to bed.
They left the house at half past nine
In two straight lines in rain or shine-
The smallest one was Madeline."

Who doesn't remember the first lines from the classic childrens book Madeline!? As a young girl I adored this book. I used to check it out of the library repeatedly, until finally my mother gave in and bought me the books. I wanted to be Madeline. I think every young girl does. This book is one of my favorites from childhood. It's a classic that all children should get to enjoy (especially mischievous little girls).

"Good night, little girls!
Thank the Lord that you are well!
And now go to sleep!"
said Miss Clavel.
And she turned out the light-
and closed the door-
and that's all there is-
there isn't any more."

Profile Image for Manybooks.
3,490 reviews104 followers
January 2, 2023
Although I absolutely adore author/illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans' expressive and detailed illustrations (that simply shine and glow with the spirit of Paris, with the spirit of both time and place), the accompanying narrative and especially the rhyme schemes are at times rather majorly choppy and anything but smooth. And truly, for me as an adult reader (who never did read of have Madeline read to me as a child), the unevenness of the rhymes and their at times almost painful artificialness, this does tend to feel rather distracting, and to the point of even making me feel a bit on the outside looking in, a bit disconnected from Madeline and her friends. That being all said, the intended audience (younger children) might well not even notice or care all that much about these textual issues (and considering the lasting popularity and high general star ratings of Madeline, I also do realise that I am obviously quite the minority here, but while I do feel a bit guilty at my now three star rating, I stand by it).

However, I have indeed enjoyed the little scene where the other orphans are jealous of Madeline on account of all the attention she receives because of her appendicitis, as it reminds me of when my brother got his appendix out and my little sister acted rather similarly, also claiming to have a stomach ache, also insisting on going to the hospital (and this little bit of sweet nostalgia, has almost made me consider a four star instead of a three star rating for Madeline, definitely a high three star rating, but nevertheless still not quite four stars, as the choppiness of the rhyming sequences and the at times awkward verses do bother my sense of poetic aesthetics rather a lot).
Profile Image for Selene.
682 reviews173 followers
July 20, 2016
BookTube-A-Thon Challenge #1
Read a book with yellow ok the cover.

BookTube-A-Thon Challenge #5
Read a book that is older than you.
Profile Image for booklady.
2,537 reviews64 followers
June 6, 2024
Read this favorite many times when our girls were little. Recalled it was on the shelf and got it out to refresh my memory of the spunky little heroine.
Profile Image for Rose Rosetree.
Author 15 books439 followers
July 8, 2023
Absolutely nothing about this book was, personally, relatable. Not to me.

Those two straight lines?

Every single day?

I think the most lasting impression on me was how my childhood had been happier than I thought. And even my little adventures struck me as more interesting than those of little Madeline.

Yet I'm willing to give this book FIVE STARS in honor of those who love-love-love these books. Even I have to admit, they do have a sweetness.
Profile Image for Canette Arille.
Author 18 books64 followers
May 16, 2024
oh, I loved this as a child. Fantastic. I read this many times and I was watching a cartoon. When I was a child, it was one of the most beautiful books I ever read
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,638 reviews
November 29, 2012
I'm not quite sure what to make of Madeline, or how to rate the book. I'm quite sure my mom read this to me as a child--she gave us the most beautiful children's book selections through books she acquired at garage sales or checked out from the library--but I don't really have any warm-fuzzies attached to it so I'm guessing it was not a favorite.

It's still not a favorite. I can appreciate it, to an extent, but I am just not sure I really liked it that much. Maybe my expectations were too high? The story starts out well and charming with the two rows of girls, the two rows of beds, the ice skating and walks around Paris, but then it goes off on a rather surprising tangent and the ending just seems so abrupt and odd. It wasn't as much about Madeline herself as I expected (though I could appreciate her spunk and see where she could have many appealing adventures in subsequent books.) And some of the rhyme schemes felt awkward to me. And the illustrations... I can appreciate them in that they are definitely distinct and "classic"--but at the same time, I'm not sure they are especially my personal cup of tea.

I was surprised to see that this book was published in 1939! I didn't realize it was quite that old. I guess that, compared to many of the other children's books (or, rather, lack thereof) available at the time, this would be a very welcomed series. I'll be very eager to read reviews from friends who love Madeline to see if they can help me better appreciate why this is such a popular classic. It's not that I *disliked* it--I guess I just regret that I can't wholeheartedly join the Madeline fan club.
Profile Image for Tricia Douglas.
1,322 reviews63 followers
November 13, 2012
This is a classic, must-read book for children. When this was published back in 1939, Bemelmans presented us with a wonderful story of Paris and a little girl who is rushed to the hospital due to an attack of appendicitis. I understood little of what was going on at the age of 5 or 6 when I first read this book, but being in the hospital with flowers and toys and having everyone admire Madeline's scar, hooked me. Now I have most of Bemelmans books on my bookshelf and love each one. This was a selection for the Goodreads children's picture book group.
Profile Image for Brigid .
159 reviews217 followers
March 30, 2014
This is one of my childhood favorites. This may be strange. Even as a child, I had a sense there was something going on between Madeline and Pepito. I felt they had a thing going on. You know, "Romantically". What the hell is wrong with me! Is that just me? They were kids and yet I could sense something. I loved the French story and the all the girls and their quirks. It's a cute story. I used to adore the cartoon too. Yeah. Sometimes I just want to take my head off, I'm so fucked up.

PLUS SHE'S TOTALLY BAD-ASS! see:

Profile Image for Lori.
1,164 reviews49 followers
February 21, 2018
Madeline, a student at a Paris boarding school, finds herself hospitalized for an appendectomy. The book is written in rhyme. Children can be grateful hospital stays are shorter than when the book was written. While the illustrations may not appeal to today's youngsters as much as they did to earlier eras, they are still excellent, showing what can be done with minimal colors. It's a classic 1940 Caldecott honor book which stood the test of time.
Profile Image for Dee.
364 reviews126 followers
January 5, 2023
3.5*

This was a cute story with lovely illustrations to go with it of famous landmarks in france.
I haven't came across these books before and noticed that there are a decent amount of them.
A great story for kids to read and enjoy.
A story of a brave little girls trip to the hospital. Short and simple but a pleasure to read.
The pictures were sweet with beautiful detail. I especially liked the look on the tigers face when madeline was standing her ground 😄
Profile Image for Emma Griffioen.
365 reviews3,250 followers
November 11, 2024
This is one of my favourite children's classics! I grew up reading and watching Madeline in French class at school. It is definitely a book I will buy for my children's book collection in the future!

I didn't realize this was a series, I may need to read the rest of them this year...
Profile Image for chan ☆.
1,191 reviews57.1k followers
Read
May 24, 2018
just remembering how much I absolutely adore this book

[mostly because Amal Clooney looked like Madeline @ the Royal Wedding]
Profile Image for Luisa Knight.
2,947 reviews1,081 followers
September 7, 2018
I had actually never read 'Madeline' though I knew it was a classic. And I was surprised by the story - it wasn't at all what I thought it would be. I liked it!

Watch a quick kid's review of this book!

Ages: 5 - 8

Cleanliness: there is a picture of a girl in her underwear.

#geography #europe #france #paris

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
77 reviews8 followers
September 10, 2007
When once asked if a book ever changed my life, I thought of "Madeline." It was in no way a profound awakening -- I was too young to even understand the lasting effects let alone remember the first time I read the book -- but it lay the seed for my fascination with all things French.

After the book came the Madeline doll (with her stitched on appendix scar) and the sequel stories and subsequent television shows. I still get nostalgic every time I see the two rows of girls in their yellow uniforms. Last year while living in Paris, I stumbled upon a French edition of the first book, and I just had to buy it (even though the book was never originally French).
Profile Image for Sophie Crane.
4,776 reviews169 followers
February 9, 2022
A charming tale of a feisty young girl who lives at a boarding school in Paris. Madeline stands out from the crowd (in fact, none of her fellow boarders are ever named) - she is brave and fearless, and this story sees her suffer from appendicitis. The line drawings are very charming and the rhymes (if sometimes not quite scanning) bubble along. Definitely a must for any adult wanting to have a story with a powerful and charismatic female lead.
Profile Image for Steve Holden.
477 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2017
This is another classic to add to my collection of reviews. Madeline won the 1940 Caldecott Award, and it has been a mainstay on classroom shelves. A lot of people have very fond memories associated with it. It features a heroine - definitely a plus for this publication time - and is set in Paris. The story is simple and rhythmic - there's really not a lot to it. The illustrations tell most of the story, and there has always been something about this book that stands out as different for me. The illustrations always captivated me, but it's hard for me to say I love the look of everything in the book. This is a strange one for me to rate - as I understand and appreciate its significance, but I also wouldn't call this one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,386 reviews

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