“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines…”
So begins the 1939 children’s book Madeline. Set in picturesque Paris, Ludwig Bemelman’s classic tells the story of a brave little orphan who takes a trip to the hospital to have her appendix removed. The book’s whimsical art, cheerful humor and rhythmic text have made it a favorite among schoolchildren—and Francophiles—for generations.
While tomorrow is the official 75th birthday of the book’s publication, the New York Historical Society in Manhattan will be celebrating Madeline’s dodranscentennial with an exhibit that runs through Oct. 13. The show features nearly 100 related works, including drawings from all six Madeline books, Bemelmans’ sketches of the old Ritz Hotel in New York and murals from a rediscovered Paris bistro.
With her flaming red hair, little blue dress and yellow hat, our storybook heroine is perhaps most loved for her feisty spirit, so it’s no surprise that chutzpah-admiring New Yorkers have decided to honor her in this grand way. Can’t make it to New York but want to get in on the celebration? Dust off your old copy of Madeline and read it to your kids (or yourself) while indulging in some hot cocoa and croissants—a snack that Madeline would have gladly sunk her teeth into.
2014/09/09 at 9:10 pm
Loved this little piece. The Madeline series was pivotal for me: It set in motion a lifelong love of Paris — and girl power! Merci beaucoup!
2014/09/09 at 9:13 pm
I loved this little piece. Madeline was a sweet read and pivotal for me: It set in motion a lifelong love of Paris — and a formative sense of girl power!
Merci beaucoup!