Friday, July 5, 2013

[BOOK REVIEW] Madeline's Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans




Title: Madeline's Christmas

Author:  Ludwig Bemelmans

Genre: Family / Christmas / Drama / Humor

Year Published: 1956

Year Read: 2013

Series: Madeline #4

Publisher:  The Viking Press, Inc.

Source:  Library

Content Rating:  Ages 3+ (Nothing Objectionable)

Buy on:  Amazon  //  Book Depository
 



If you have noticed, I am a huge fan of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic children’s series “Madeline” and I had basically read almost every book from the “Madeline” series!  Well, I finally stumbled upon another “Madeline” book called “Madeline’s Christmas” and boy, was it a true holiday treat to read!

In this story, when all the little girls and Miss Clavel ended up being sick on Christmas Eve, it is up to Madeline to take care of everyone.  But during that same night, a mysterious rug merchant comes and pays Madeline a visit and even though he gives Madeline his rugs, it turns out that the rug merchant is much more than he seems.

Ludwig Bemelmans has done it again with writing a heartwarming and magical story that involves our favorite cute little red-haired heroine!  I loved the way that Ludwig Bemelmans wrote Madeline in this story as Madeline was truly helpful in trying to take care of the other girls and Miss Clavel when they were ill.  It really showed Madeline in a positive light as she truly cared about Miss Clavel and the other girls and it showed how responsible she was in handling the chores around the house.  I also loved the mystery surrounding the rug merchant who visits Madeline as I was wondering to myself about the ulterior motives of the rug merchant (be mindful that the ulterior motives of the rug merchant is not malicious or anything, but still I was curious about why he just showed up on the doorsteps of Miss Clavel’s boarding house). Ludwig Bemelmans’ artwork is truly creative and colorful at the same time as the character designs look simplistic, but are so adorable to look at that I just could not take my eyes off of the artwork!  I also loved the imagery of Madeline herself as she has short red hair and a cute little yellow hat on her head that really defined her appearance.

Overall, “Madeline’s Christmas” is a truly beautiful and heartwarming story about the importance of kindness and learning the true meaning of Christmas that I am sure that “Madeline” fans will enjoy reading during Christmas time!  I would recommend this book to children ages three and up since the story is easy enough for small children to get a grasp on.  




2 comments:

  1. I loved Madeline when I was a little girl and I remember reading this one but I don't remember the rug merchant. I remember everyone but Madeline being sick and . . . that's it. Hmmmm . . . I think I have to put in a request at my local library. :)

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    1. I just recently read this book, even though I've been reading Madeline ever since I was a child. It's definitely worth checking out!

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