Tools for this page
Print

The New Adventures of Madeline

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Sarah Wenk

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MADELINE (also known as just Madeline) is a series based on the popular Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmans. In the books, the 12 little girls in two straight lines, go through their daily activities with alarming precision, watched over by Miss Clavel the nun. In the cartoon incarnation, the girls come to life and stray from their strict lifestyle. They are more or less like any other cartoon girls, albeit with French accents (or attempts at them). The stories are fleshed out with musical numbers and new characters, and more attention is paid to imparting lessons about getting along with others, good manners, and friendship.

Is It Any Good?

3

Some of the stories are far more fantastic than those in the books; for example, in one episode the girls go on a trip to the North Pole to experience a white Christmas (in the books, Madeline only travels as far as London). Younger children will enjoy the fun, and families can learn words in French, and -- thanks to Pepito, the boy next door -- Spanish.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name