Madeline (1939)

Originally published in 1939, and chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1940, this classic picture-book from Austrian-American author Ludwig Bemelmans is the first of a number of titles chronicling the adventures of an insouciant Parisian schoolgirl named (what else?) Madeline. "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines / lived twelve little girls in two straight lines," the book begins, setting out the story of an orderly little world, one in which little girls stick to their prescribed routines. All except for little girls like Madeline, that is. Unafraid of tigers, or of walking along dangerous railings, she handles a true emergency - being taken off to the hospital to have her appendix out - with great aplomb...

Although I did enjoy this beloved children's book, with its rhyming text and award-winning art, somehow it didn't charm me quite as much as I had expected it to, when I first discovered that it had been chosen as one of our November selections over in The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "Classic Picture-Book Characters." Yet another of those classics that I somehow missed when a girl, Madeline (much like Eloise, which was another title read for this particular project) is a book I've long been aware of, and meant to get to. Now that I have, I'm rather taken aback to discover that, while I like it, I am not quite in love with it. Which isn't to say that it doesn't have quite a bit of appeal, both in terms of its heroine - Madeline is a spunky girl, one who is not afraid to stand out from the crowd - and its narrative, which I can see making for a good bedtime story. I do plan to read more of the Madeline books, as part of a general effort to become better acquainted with some of the ubiquitous figures of picture-book culture, so perhaps my enthusiasm will build... ( )

Madeline and her friends get a puppy for the orphange, but further along in the book the girls have to get rid of her. One day, they set off to find the puppy. They searched all over town, yet found the dog nowhere. One day the dog showed up on the doorstep, and had puppies of her own; so, each of the girls were able to have thier own puppy. This book teaches children about cooperation and helping others. Also, some poeple may look at this book as an example of patience.

Summary: This story is about a young girl, Madeline, who lives with 11 other girls and one night has to have her appendix removed. All of the other girls become jealous because all they see is Madeline having fun with new toys from her father and relaxing. Their caregiver explains to them that they are all fine and they continue going on living together.
Genre critique: This story is an example of poetry due to its multiple examples of forms of poetry. Not only does this book feature rhymes throughout the entire thing, but it also has a rhythm that goes along with it.
Character critique: Madeline in this story is a girl who stands out from the rest. She seems to be a little more confident than the other girls showing that she is obviously the main character of the story. While she does not show much change throughout the story she would be considered the dynamic character of the book.

Caldecott Medal Winner - Madeline has always been a favorite of mine! "Twelve little girls all in line and the littlest one is Madeline." Madeline has a bad tummy ache and must go to the hospital to have her appendix removed. I clung to this story when I was little and in the hospital for the same reason! Helpful for students having health issues as a suggestion to send home or to read to class when they know a fellow student is in the hospital, etc. Lovely book and Madeline is such a lovable and classic character! ( )

The Madeline books have been the favorites of young girls for years. The first of many is the story of Madeline, a young girl living in a boarding school in Paris who is always acting up and making the other girls laugh. ( )