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Madeline and the Gypsies (by Ludwig Bemelmans)

common sense media says

Not the best in the series, but still a favorite.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while gypsy life seems fun, children may worry about the characters' safety. The art conveys the excitement of the circus. However, the story and verse are not Bemelmans's best.

Positive messages: The gypsies are stereotyped. Madeline needs help getting off the Ferris wheel, but Pepito just climbs down.
Violence & scariness: The Gypsy Mama sews the children into a lion costume.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on Madeline and the Gypsies

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the allure of the circus. What would it be like to travel and work with the lions, horses, and elephants? Would you miss having a permanent home?

What's the story?

What's the story?
A gypsy carnival and a sudden storm provide little schoolgirl Madeline and her friend, Pepito, a chance to experience gypsy life, which most readers will think looks like a lot of fun. The illustrations of horses, elephants, and bright-colored gypsy clothing are inviting, yet when a gypsy woman tries to keep them from Miss Clavel, young readers could be frightened.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
In this tale, Madeline and Pepito get to experience the gypsy life, learn some tricks, and, best of all, "never have to brush your teeth, and never-never to go to sleep." Ludwig Bemelmans's artwork is fanciful, with more color and chaos than usual, evoking the style of the gypsies. A particularly lovely night scene illustrates the outside of Mont Saint-Michel, and a busy train-station scene accompanies a reassuring verse about coming home after a journey.

Unfortunately, adults may find the plot and rhyme less than perfect. Bemelmans makes some awkward word choices, such as shirty to rhyme with dirty. And the plot plays on the stereotype of gypsies stealing children, and it's especially frightening when the two are sewed up inside a lion's costume to keep Miss Clavel from finding them.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Ludwig Bemelmans
Illustrator: Ludwig Bemelmans
Publisher: Penguin Group
Publication date: December 31, 1969
Number of pages: 59
Paperback price: $6.99
This review was written by Jennifer Gennari
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

sneffie76
adult
 
This was my very favorite of all the Madeline books as a child.
I just don't see an issue with the so-called stereotyping of the gypsies. Madeline and Pepito were rescued by them! They had fun performing in the circus and living with the gypsies! The gypsy mama loved them! It's a lovely imaginative book with beautiful pictures and text.
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