Madeline was written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. It was published in 1939 and by The Viking Press.
There’s a house with twelve little girls, perhaps in a boarding school or orphanage (I’m just guessing). They live together in harmony and tend to cling together. Out of these twelve girls Madeline is the bravest. One evening Madeline has to have her appendix removed. She recovers well and everyone is jealous that Madeline gets to stay in a swell room in the hospital and has a cool scar.
I was a bit surprised to notice how the children were drawn. They look very similar to how I draw my characters in my illustrations!
There are some very nice illustrations of buildings/scenery in Paris. Many of these are drawn in full color (other pages are done in yellow, white and black). I believe these drawings were drawn quickly which I like since you don’t feel forced to dwell on each page too much.
I’m not too sure what the point of the story is but it’s not too important since the reader is transported into a warped Paris (I mean this in a good way) the characters are tres mignon. There’s a tiny bit of humor to end the story which is a nice touch.
This story is based on some experience from the author’s life.
Madeline is a wonderful book. Recommended.
