Madeline - by Ludwig Bemelmans

About the Book

Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital is as appealing today as it was in 1940. The combination of spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes "Madeline" a perennial favorite with children of all ages. A Caldecott Honor Book. Full-color illustrations.

Book Synopsis

A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK - OVER 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD! The cherished childhood classic starring a fearless little girl and her eleven lovable housemates.

One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books

"Perhaps the best bedtime book ever written."--The New York Times

"In an old house in Paris
That was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls
In two straight lines.
The smallest one was Madeline."

So begins the story of Madeline, a young girl living in Paris with her eleven closest friends under the care and protection of Miss Clavel. What she lacks in size, Madeline makes up for in courage--she's not afraid of tigers or mice, and often likes to stand out amongst the rest of the girls. Nothing seems to frighten her--until one night, when things take a scary turn.

With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and whimsical drawings of Paris, acclaimed author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans weaves a true classic that continues to stand the test of time. Let Madeline and her friends walk two straight lines right off the page and into your family's heart!

About the Author

Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962), a painter, illustrator, and writer for both children and adults, originally published Madeline in 1939. It lives on today, along with Caldecott Medal winner Madeline's Rescue, as a seminal picture book in children's literature. Ludwig Bemelmans' grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, carries on his grandfather's legacy and has written and illustrated four books about Madeline of his own, including Madeline and the Old House in Paris and Madeline at the White House