Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales

Authors: Ludwig Bemelmans and John Bemelmans Marciano

First Line: In an old house in Paris/That was covered with vines/Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines, Including Mademoiselle Madeline Fogg/and Genevieve, her beloved dog.

Why you should read this book: Madeline fans can rejoice in this posthumous collection of Christmas-themed stories, including the lost Madeline tale, in which the popular heroine inherits a Texas oil fortune and travels to America with her eleven roommates and their caretaker, Miss Clavel. Each of the stories in this book were created by Ludwig Bemelmas but either were not published in his lifetime, or were published in a different form, and all the stories have been brought back to life through the efforts of Bemelmans’ grandson, who perfectly captures the spirit of his grandfather’s art. Includes notes by John Bemelmans regarding his restoration of the work, and also by Ludwig Bemelmans’ daughter, Barbara, discussing her father’s love of Christmas and her favorite memories of the holiday with him.

Why you shouldn’t read this book: Bah! Humbug!

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You can learn more about children's books at the American Library Association website. Your public library is a great place to introduce your children to books. They will have special programs and incentives for kids of all ages to love reading. In most systems children are entitled to their own library cards from the time they are old enough to write their own names. It's a great way to teach responsibility as well as foster a lifelong love of learning and books.

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Dragon's Library

Wednesday, January 20, 2010