A Heartfelt Evening with Madeline: Bringing Paris to Our Living Room
The other night, after a long day of toddler tantrums and sibling squabbles, I needed a gentle escape—a moment that would whisk us away from the chaos into a world of whimsy and wonder. As I rifled through our collection of picture books, my fingers landed on a little treasure: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. Instantly, I was transported back to my own childhood, curled up on my mother’s lap, enchanted by the tales of the brave little girl in Paris. I could hardly wait to share this classic with my own children.
Madeline, with her signature pigtails and fearless spirit, embarks on adventures in an old house in Paris. The story begins with the delightful lines, “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” My kids’ eyes lit up as I read these words aloud. They were immediately charmed by the idea of a classroom-full of little girls marching off to explore Paris, rain or shine. It wasn’t just a story—it was a captivating escapade.
What struck me most as we read was how engaged my little ones were. The rhyming may not be consistent throughout, but each line flowed musically, drawing my children into the story. They giggled at Madeline’s daring antics, especially when she nonchalantly told the zoo tiger, “Pooh-pooh.” My youngest, whose own bravery is often on display during bath time, couldn’t help but declare, “I want to go see a tiger, too!”
Bemelmans’ illustrations are a perfect marriage of whimsy and simplicity. We found ourselves pausing to study the details; each page is alive with color and charm. I watched as my daughter pointed at Miss Clavel, their caring teacher, exclaiming, “Look at how worried she is!” It was a moment where the line between story and reality blurred, fostering a rich discussion about bravery, care, and empathy—two themes that resonate deeply in our everyday lives as parents.
And oh, the laugh we shared when Madeline ended up in the hospital! As she joyfully accepted a visit from her classmates and thrilled over gifts from Papa, my kids couldn’t help but shout, “But she’s sick! Why is she happy?” It led to an invigorating conversation about happiness in difficult circumstances, showing me yet again that stories can be a springboard for life lessons.
The closing lines of the book tugged at my heartstrings: “Good night, little girls! Thank the lord you are well! And now go to sleep!” After reading, my kids snuggled closer, whispering their favorite lines back to me, as if they were trying to savor every last word before drifting off to sleep.
I wholeheartedly recommend Madeline for children aged 3 to 8, but it also has a nostalgic charm for parents like me who will undoubtedly resonate with its whimsical adventures. It’s quickly become a beloved staple in our nighttime reading routine, not just a one-time read but a family favorite that we will cherish for years to come.
Every time I close the book, I whisper, “And that’s all there is—there isn’t any more.” Yet, in our cozy little world, I know the magic of Madeline will always linger, reminding us that adventure is just a story away.
