Book description
"Bemelmans' drawings have put an authentic Paris within the covers of this book. The rhymes in which the tale is told make it one that children will enjoy repeating."--The New York Times. Caldecott Honor Book; ALA Notable Children's Book. Full-color illustrations.
Why read it?
1 author picked Madeline as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Such a charming book, I could recite almost all of Madeline with its fun, memorable rhyming.
I wanted to be Madeline and live in her world of Paris, have her dog Genevieve, and (to my mother’s dismay) walk along the top edge of a bridge, balancing like an acrobat!
Returning to this book as an adult, I didn’t realize that the author was actually the illustrator as well, and I found that the unique illustrations brought the story to life. Madeline helps children see the world in a different way, with imagination, whimsy, and creativity.
I also had a Madeline…
From Mary-Jean's list on children’s books that blend imagination and reality.
If you love Madeline...
Hazel and Mabel
A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.
For many years, Hazel and Mabel were inseparable. The two friends made up stories, spent the night together, and shared their snacks. Then, Mabel moved away. As time passes, Hazel and Mabel think of each other often, but they also…
Want books like Madeline?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Madeline.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,287
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Madeline, you might also like...
Don't Ask a Dinosaur
Don't Ask a Dinosaur is about a party that goes wildly awry when a pack of dinosaurs with very unique physical attributes attempt to help set up.
Written in a masterfully executed rhyme, the book presents a cavalcade of lesser-known dinos and pairs their odd characteristics with little tasks that…
The Time-Jinx Twins
Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…
