Madeline's Rescue By: Ludwig Bemelmans

Book Genre: Modern Fantasy/Fiction


Publishing Info: Viking Penguin and 52 pages

Awards or honors received: The Caldecott Medal


Summary: This story is about a character named Madeline. She lived in Paris in a vine covered house. Madeline is one of twelve little girls who live in the house. One day she falls in the river and is rescued by a dog. They name the dog Genevieve. After the dog has puppies and the little girls did not have to argue over Genevieve anymore.

Personal rating and reason for rating: *** Good – I like this book. I read it to my first grades and they love it. What makes this book good is because it shows the happiness a dog brings to a family no matter what kind of family it is.


Reading level: 3.2

Interest level: K-3(Lower Grades)


Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study (reading and writing across the curriculum): Language Arts – This book could be used in a unit of study on feelings. This book could be used to help spark writing activities about what kind of pets do they have.
Math – Students could use linking cubes to show the number 12 like the little girls walk in line. They could practice add and subtracting the cubes as if the girls were going somewhere.
Science – Students could study different animal families. They could discuss how animals and humans are alike and different.
Social Studies – Students could discuss how animal and human communities are alike and different. Discuss family with students like things they like to do with their families. Also, you could so something with breaking the rules. They could also find Paris on a map to help with map skills.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: I don't see any at this time.