Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Madeline helps a ghost get his wish in charming tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Lord Cucuface, the head of Madeline's boarding school, shows up for an unscheduled inspection and insists on checking out the attic, which is rumored to be haunted. He doesn't see a ghost but finds a lovely old telescope and takes it home for himself. Later, when Madeline hears moaning and groaning from the attic, she, the girls, and Pepito, the Spanish Ambassador's son, investigate and do find a ghost: a former astronomy buff in a wig and frilly clothes who's sad to find his telescope gone. He explains that he died falling off the roof while trying to witness a comet that nears the Earth only every 221 years. Can Madeline and Pepito retrieve the telescope in time for the ghost to see the comet this time around?
Is It Any Good?
MADELINE AND THE OLD HOUSE IN PARIS faithfully captures the spirit, poetic rhythm, and look of the beloved original books. This one being a ghost story released in October, it can serve as a Halloween book. Still, it's an exciting adventure for any time of the year.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ghosts. Why are stories about them so popular? Can you think of others you've read or seen on TV?
Which kind of ghost do you like better: friendly or scary?
Have you read other Madeline books? Which ones are your favorites? How does Madeline and the Old House in Paris compare?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : John Bemelmans Marciano
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking
- Publication date : October 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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