Madeline

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Rhyming classic is a sure winner with kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the heroine demonstrates courage, and her teacher and schoolmates show concern and compassion. The brisk rhyme moves the story along, and the illustrations capture children's interest.

What's the story?

Twelve boarding school girls live in an old house covered with vines, and they walk in two straight lines wherever they go with their teacher, Miss Clavel. Madeline, the smallest, is not afraid of lions or mice. Then their routine is interrupted by a late-night rush to the hospital -- Madeline has to have her appendix out! After the operation, Miss Clavel, brings the girls to visit. Madeline has many gifts and flowers - -but likes her scar best of all. The story ends with the other girls crying, "Boohoo, we want to have our appendix out, too!"


Is it any good?

 

Children take to MADELINE instantly, perhaps because they love the routine of the 12 girls forming two straight lines while walking, eating, and sleeping. But before that predictability gets boring, here is Madeline, who is small yet brave, and loves winter. But this indomitable spirit is reduced to tears one night -- something must be wrong. Ludwig Bemelmans exactly captures the mix of concern and envy children feel about another sick child who gets attention.

Although few kids attend boarding schools or know why Miss Clavel wears a veil, they understand Madeline's spunk and courage. Bemelmans' illustrations match his narrative, alternating from quick cartoonlike sketches to lavish panoramas of architectural landmarks. Both adults and children like Bemelmans art: It's sophisticated, yet full of energy and detail. Mad About Madeline: The Complete Tales contains all the stories in the series.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about Paris. Parents can point out landmarks in the illustrations and seek out other books or films set in Paris. Ask kids to identify what they think are local landmarks.


This review was written by Jennifer Gennari
Teen, 16 years old
June 26, 2009
 
Great for little kids!
Okay, the books and the movies delighted me so much when I was 5 and 6 years old! Of course, I don't think they're that great now, but back then I loved Madeline! The books and the movies are very educational. Kids will learn some French like, "Au revoir!" and "Bonjour!" I learned those words at age 5 or 6 and I knew what they meant. Plus, Madeline has great manners and she can teach kids how to be polite and respectful. The books and the shows aren't annoying like Dora or The Wiggles. The shows and the books have great role models and positive messages! Parent's, these books and shows are a great pick for your child. I don't think kids that are older than 6 will be too thrilled with the books or the shows.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Wonderful classic for all ages! At the end, though, all of the other girls want their appendixes out so they can get all the toys like Madeline...

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Parent of 4 year old
December 9, 2010
 
My daughter aged four loved the book and has watched the movie three times this week. She likes the fact that Madeline is not afraid.

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Parent of 3 and 5 year old
November 11, 2010
 
A classic for even the little ones.
My 2 year old loves this book and insists that I read it over and over again every day. I love it too so I'm happy to oblige.

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Parent of 18 year old
June 16, 2010
 
A book, timeless and transending
Seeing this book again, after So many years........ well, it was like a part of me from long ago, re-ignited with memory's of my childhood. Thank you for such a Special book.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Icried! Ilaughed
I think it is important to care yourself or hisself because you can live safley at the world!!

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This review was written by Jennifer Gennari
Author:Ludwig Bemelmans
Illustrator:Ludwig Bemelmans
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Family Life
Publisher:Penguin Group
Publication date:February 24, 1977
Number of pages:44
Paperback price:$16.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):4 - 7

This review was written by Jennifer Gennari
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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