Madeline
Twelve little girls live in two straight lines in Paris, but Madeline is the smallest and the least afraid. This rhythmic classic follows their adventures and a brave encounter with a hospital visit that leaves her a local hero.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans is estimated to take about 6 minutes to read aloud (418 words, about 2 sentences a page), and it lands best with children aged 3-6.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 6 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 418Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 2Sentences per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 5/5still good at forty
- Vocabulary level
- 3/5a few new words
- Best for
- Ages 3-6Our editorial fit
Our review
The call-and-response style of the repetitive couplets makes this a very interactive reading experience. Children often find themselves chanting along to the rhythm of the girls' daily routines.
It is a sweet, classic choice for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy predictable patterns and a sense of bravado. The character's courage is particularly engaging for young children.
Before you buy it
The hospital scenes might be scary for some children facing actual medical procedures. Most find it reassuring, but it's worth considering your child's temperament before a doctor's visit.
Themes
- rhyme
- Paris
- school
- courage
- hospital
Books like Madeline
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
Curious George Goes to the Hospitalabout 20 minutes estimated · 3/5 re-read
Maisy Goes to the Hospitalabout 3.5 minutes estimated · 3/5 re-read
The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctorabout 9 minutes estimated · 3/5 re-read
Chicka Chicka Boom Boomabout 5 minutes estimated · 5/5 re-read
Chrysanthemumabout 12 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Madeline aloud?
About 6 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 418. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Madeline actually for?
Ages 3-6 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 2 sentences a page and vocabulary at 3 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Madeline survive being read on repeat?
Yes - this is one of the few that is still fine on the fortieth reading, which is why it scores 5 out of 5 with us.
Is Madeline a good book for a child who will not sit still?
It helps that it rhymes, and it has a refrain a child can join in with, and it asks the child questions to answer out loud. Those three features are what keep a wriggling toddler listening, far more than the subject matter does.
Will my child memorise Madeline?
Probably, and fast. The book leans on a repeated refrain, and at 5 out of 5 for re-read tolerance it survives the nightly repeats that get a book memorised. Expect your child to chant the pattern back before they can actually read.
Can a beginning reader read Madeline on their own?
Not yet. At vocabulary level 3 out of 5 and 2 sentences a page, it is a read-aloud book rather than a first solo read. Read it to them now, and hand it over in a year or two.
Is Madeline part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Madeline series. It stands on its own, so you can start here without reading the others in order, then move to the rest if it lands.
What themes does Madeline cover?
We tag it with rhyme, Paris, school, courage and hospital. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
Lists Madeline is on
50 reviewed booksBooks for 5 Year OldsFind great books for 5 year olds, from favorite picture books to first chapter books. Includes estimated read-aloud times for quick planning.
45 reviewed booksPreschool BooksA curated list of picture books for ages three to five. Find books that hold a group, stories that are quick, and favorites for constant re-reading.