The Things You Can Read: Visit Paris with Madeline

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Visit Paris with Madeline

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I guess I'm not a Madeline fan, nor is my daughter. She lost interest in this book long before it was finished, and it is very short on words. However, my daughter loved the illustrations. From the adult perspective, I loved the Parisian landmarks that were sprinkled throughout the book, but again, the story did not match the quality of the illustrations. Another thing that I did like about Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans is the fact that a short history of each landmark is included on the last page of the picture book, just in case the reader is not familiar with them. I also need to mention that the story is told using a simple rhyme scheme, which is very nice for introducing your child to this concept. Each of these points are why the book received three out of five stars.

Madeline is the story of the littlest girl at a Catholic boarding school in Paris, France. Madeline is her name, and Madeline is not afraid of anything, not even tigers at the zoo. Madeline, along with all her classmates, travels throughout Paris on her daily walks, and enjoys the sights and sounds of Paris. Unfortunately, one day Madeline is stricken with appendicitis and has to be rushed to the hospital, but not to worry, all is well in the end.

I know that Madeline is beloved by many children and adults, but for my little munchkin it is not a favorite. As to the Why? Why is this book not a favorite? Well, I'd have to say that substance of story is one reason, and then there is the subjectivity factor, which can not be discounted. For our two member reading group this book did not have the five star qualities others we have read possess. Again, reviews are very subjective, and based on all the good points this book has to offer I would most definitely share it with children. The introduction to Paris is priceless, and I will enjoy taking Irene to Paris one day to see all the Parisian landmarks we visited with Madeline in person.