The Madeline series by Ludwig Bemelmans is a timeless classic that continues to charm readers, young and old. First published in 1939, these beautifully illustrated picture books follow the fearless little redhead Madeline, the smallest and most spirited of twelve girls living in a boarding school in Paris, overseen by the ever-patient Miss Clavel.
Told in cheerful rhyming verse, each story begins with the iconic lines: “In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines…” From Madeline’s emergency appendectomy to her encounters with tigers, gypsies, and even the Spanish ambassador’s son, the stories are full of gentle mischief and Parisian flair. But beneath the whimsy is a strong sense of courage, friendship, and kindness—qualities that have helped the books endure for generations.
Ludwig Bemelmans’ loose, expressive illustrations capture the charm of Paris in a way that feels nostalgic yet still accessible for modern readers. There’s a lovely balance of humour and heart, making the books ideal for sharing at bedtime or in the classroom. Children quickly warm to Madeline’s brave, no-nonsense attitude, and adults often find themselves just as captivated by the vintage style and gentle wit.
Perfect for ages 3 to 7, the Madeline books make a wonderful introduction to classic storytelling. They’re also an excellent choice for early discussions about empathy, resilience, and the joy of exploring the wider world. A truly special series that belongs on every child’s bookshelf.
All the Madeline books in order:
Book 1: Madeline (1939)
Book 2: Madeline’s Rescue (1953)
Book 3: Madeline and the Bad Hat (1956)
Book 4: Madeline's Christmas (1956)
Book 5: Madeline and the Gypsies (1959)
Book 6: Madeline in London (1961)
The following books were written by John Bemelmans Marciano, the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans:
Book 7: Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales (1999)
Book 8: Madeline Says Merci (2001)
Book 9: Madeline Loves Animals (2005)
Book 10: Madeline and the Cats of Rome (2009)
Book 11: Madeline and her Dog (2011)
Book 12: Madeline's Tea Party (2012)
Book 13: Madeline at the White House (2020)
Book 14: Madeline and the Old House in Paris (2013)
Book 15: Love From Madeline (2022)
Book 16: Madeline's 123 (2022)
Book 17: Madeline's ABCs (2022)
Madeline is a film I loved as a child but I never got a chance to read the books so when one of the children brought Madeline and the Cats of Rome ove...
We had wanted this book for a while it having been recommended by a friend.
The illustrations are beautiful but do give a dark/eery feel to the sto...
This is a charming book with quaint pictures and quirky rhymes. Madeleine is a little girl who lives in Paris with eleven other girls, and this one o...