Madeline's Christmas

In this holiday installment of the Madeline series, the story takes place at the boarding school in Paris on Christmas Eve. When everyone except Madeline falls ill with colds, she must care for eleven girls and Miss Clavel on her own. A chance encounter with a mysterious carpet merchant changes the course of events at the old house. The merchant possesses abilities that transform the situation for Madeline and her friends. The tale follows the classic Madeline format with rhyming text and Bemelmans' distinctive illustration style. Originally published as a magazine insert in 1956, it was released as a standalone book in 1985. This story explores themes of responsibility, perseverance, and the magic that can emerge during the holiday season. It stands as a testament to Bemelmans' ability to blend everyday situations with elements of wonder.

Readers call this a sweet holiday addition to the Madeline series, though not as memorable as the original books. Parents appreciate how it incorporates both Christmas and illness/caregiving themes that children can relate to. Liked: - Simple rhyming text maintains Bemelmans' signature style - Illustrations capture winter in Paris - Message about helping others - Short enough for young attention spans Disliked: - Plot relies on magical elements some find out of place - Less compelling story compared to other Madeline books - Some readers note it feels rushed or incomplete Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (270+ ratings) Common reader comment: "A nice Christmas story but not a standout in the series" appears in various forms across reviews. Several parents mention it works well for ages 3-7, with younger children drawn to the familiar characters and older ones able to follow the storyline.

Anatole by Eve Titus A Parisian mouse works at night to make life better for the humans in his city, capturing the same charm and Parisian setting as Madeline's adventures.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney The story follows a woman who travels the world and spreads beauty through flowers, sharing themes of independence and making the world better like Madeline's tales.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf A bull in Spain who prefers flowers to fighting demonstrates the same spirit of individuality that marks Madeline's character.

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully A young girl in Paris learns to walk the high wire from a master performer, echoing Madeline's courage and determination in a historical French setting.

This Is Paris by Miroslav Sasek The book presents life in Paris through detailed illustrations and stories of city life, complementing the Parisian world of Madeline.

🌟 The story first appeared in McCall's magazine in 1956, nearly 20 years after the original Madeline book was published. 🎨 Ludwig Bemelmans based the "old house covered in vines" on a real Catholic boarding school in Paris that still exists today - the Couvent du Sacré-Cœur. 📚 This was the last Madeline book published during Bemelmans' lifetime; he passed away in 1962. ✨ The magical flying carpet element was unique in the Madeline series, which typically stayed grounded in realistic (though whimsical) scenarios. 🎄 The book was adapted into an animated television special in 1990, featuring Christopher Plummer as the narrator.