Common Sense Media Review
A little heavy-handed, but still a charming book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The Spanish ambassador moves in next door, and Madeline soon discovers that Pepito, his son, is a bad boy. Gradually, Pepito's pranks escalate, but despite the intensity of his teasing behavior, Pepito eventually learns his lesson. Ludwig Bemelmans's illustrations of Paris life, particularly a market scene, are as charming as ever.
Is It Any Good?
To make the point that Pepito is a bad hat, Bemelmans goes overboard, progressing from standard mischief to downright cruelty. The most offensive verse revolves around Pepito's creation: a guillotine. Pepito, the author writes, "was unmoved by the last look / the frightened chickens gave the cook."
Despite the intensity of Pepito's bad behavior, the message is clear: He has to change if he wants Madeline and the other girls to play with him. Children will recognize all of Pepito's attempts to make friends, including showing off, and the illustration of the changed Pepito and the girls setting free birds, butterflies, and other animals is heartwarming.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ways to go about making new friends. Do you change your behavior to impress them or be more like them? Or is it better to just be yourself?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ludwig Bemelmans
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : March 31, 1957
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 64
- Last updated : July 12, 2017
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