In an old house in Paris
that was covered with vines
lived twelve little girls
in two straight lines
the smallest one was Madeline.

Nothing frightens Madelinenot tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humour, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years! A Caldecott Honor book!

Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) was a painter, illustrator, and writer for both children and adults. A world traveler, he spent most of his time in New York City or Paris. The original inspiration forMadelinewas the result of his bicycle accident on an island of France. Hospitalized after being hit by the only car on the island, Mr. Bemelmans recalled, The sisters in that small hospital wore large, starched white hats that looked like the wings of a giant butterfly. In the room next to mine was a little girl who had had her appendix out. In the ceiling over my bed was a crack that had the habit of sometimes looking like a rabbit. A year later, back in New York City, he penned the first draft ofMadelineon the backs of menus in Petes Tavern. TheMadelinebooks rank among the most-honoured childrens books series.Madelinewas named a Caldecott Honor Book and the first of its five sequels,Madelines Rescue, won the Caldecott Medal and was aNew York TimesOutstanding Book of the Year. Mr. Bemelmans died in 1962, after completingMadelines Christmas.

Author/Illustrator: Ludwig BemelmansSeries: MadelineFormat: PaperbackProduct dimensions: 56 pages, 12 X 8.56 X 0.21 inPublished: May 1, 2000Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Recommended for ages 3-7.