Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wacky, charming tale of girl and bunnies to the rescue.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Ten-year-old Madeline appears to be the only one on Hornby Island, an enclave of American hippies in British Columbia, to have any practical sense whatever. Also, she's read Pride and Prejudice twice. When her feckless parents suddenly disappear, apparently kidnapped by foxes, Madeline's only assistance in finding and rescuing them comes in the form of a pair of rabbits who've just decided to go into the detective business. A code-breaking marmot, faux foxhounds, The Olde Spaghetti Factory, and Prince Charles all play a role in the ensuing hijinks.
Is It Any Good?
Polly Horvath has a long track record of wacky books, and some of the zaniness in this one, as well as the madcap plot, may be too much for some.
But the title characters and Madeline are very appealing -- as are Sophie Blackall's illustrations. And if there's an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink quality to some of the comic embellishments, there are also moments of enduring charm, sweetness, and triumph.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Madeline's parents are actually abusive, as Mr. Bunny insists, or just endearingly useless. Why do you think she stays with them?
What do you know about Prince Charles, and what do you think about Madeline's conversation with him?
What do you know about the area around Vancouver Island and why Americans have migrated there, legally and otherwise, over the years?
Madeline tells her mom that she doesn't think it's very "green" of them to spend all the family's money on candles for a one-night solstice celebration. Do you agree?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sophie Blackall
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Schwartz & Wade
- Publication date : February 14, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate