Madeline Board book – Abridged, January 5, 2012

"In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines..." — with just that opening line, Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline immediately transports readers into a charming, poetic, and visually captivating world that has remained timeless for generations.I grew up reading Madeline, and now, sharing it with my own child has been one of the most joyful and nostalgic experiences. There’s something uniquely comforting and magical about this story. It’s beautifully simple yet deeply memorable. Madeline, the smallest and bravest of the twelve little girls living in a Parisian boarding school, is a character full of spunk, heart, and undeniable charm.The Writing:Bemelmans’ rhythmic, rhyming prose makes the book a delight to read aloud. The cadence is soothing yet playful, and young readers quickly begin to anticipate and even recite lines themselves. The story is engaging without being overly dramatic, and its gentle humor and understated emotion make it enjoyable for both children and adults. It subtly touches on themes like bravery, independence, routine, and the bittersweet realities of life – like going to the hospital – in a way that’s accessible and reassuring to kids.The Illustrations:The illustrations are truly a masterpiece of their own. Bemelmans’ signature artistic style – bold ink lines, watercolor washes, and a limited color palette – evokes the feeling of old Paris. The contrast between the regimented, symmetrical lines of the girls walking in two straight lines and the lively chaos of Madeline’s adventures adds an extra layer of charm. My daughter loves pointing out Miss Clavel, the Eiffel Tower, the dogs, and other Parisian landmarks as we read.Why It Matters:Madeline isn’t just a cute character – she represents bravery, curiosity, and individuality. Even though she’s the smallest, she stands out the most, and not because she tries to – but because of who she is. She faces fear with courage, doesn’t mind being different, and has a spirit that resonates long after the book is closed.Final Thoughts:Madeline is the kind of book that every child should grow up with – a classic that never loses its magic, even decades later. It’s not only a wonderful introduction to the beauty of storytelling and art, but also to life lessons that are gentle and affirming.Whether you’re reading it for the first time or the fiftieth, Madeline remains a beautifully crafted, heartwarming story that belongs on every bookshelf. Perfect for gifting, bedtime stories, or just a quiet moment of literary joy.

After having this board book checked out for two months straight, because my daughter loved it so, I knew it was time for us to own a copy ourselves. This book still read several times a week, and has someone managed to still be charming for both baby and adults ( a rarity indeed for how often we read it!). The oard book version has vibrant colors and high quality, glossy, hard pages. It has withstood my baby gumming it and attempts to naw at it while teething surprisingly well. So, no worries if your toddler or baby is hard on books.For those who are curious, it is slightly abridged compared to a paperback version, but not by munch. A couplet or two here or there. I think all but one image is in both books. Also, it is a smaller size than the picture book, but I find the size much easier to move around and to store away in a book basket or somesuch.

A true literary classic! I have purchase this adorable baby board book for multiple baby gifts, showers & sprinkles. A great read for a little girl and very durable as a board book for baby.

Classic! Beautiful hard cover book. My daughter loves it. It brings back memories for me!

My daughter’s favorite childhood character. I hope to read this delightful book to future grandchildren.

Came just as described! Perfect size for a small child but still looks like the original Madeline books!

The media could not be loaded. This book was a bit warped but other than that it is in good condition. The illustrations are vibrant and the words are clearly printed. This is great for the kiddos are a great gift option.

Got for a friends baby shower. Book is exactly as described.