Customer Reviews

Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book

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"The pages that follow offer advice/On how to be polite and nice./As you read, please keep in mind/It all comes down to being kind./Don't forget to think of others-/Parents, pets, and little brothers..." John Bemelmans Marciano, follows in his grandfather, Ludwig Bemelmans' footsteps with this new and inventive picture book, Madeline Says Merci. His clever and humorous, rhyming text gives youngsters basic lessons in kindness and consideration, from saying please and thank you, sharing and taking turns, cleaning up, and apologizing, to writing thank you notes, learning how to properly say hello and goodbye, and much, much more. His familiar and charming illustrations add to the fun, and bring Miss Clavel, Pepito, and the rest of the little girls onto the scene to help Madeline explain and demonstrate good manners. Perfect for children 3-7, this "always be polite book" is a witty and creative must for Madeline fans everywhere, and is a wonderful addition to all home bookshelves.

The author has done a wonderful job with the material and subject matter. In the context of the world of Madeline, the lessons are direct and instructive while keeping in the same theme of entertaining a young child in the style of the remarkable Madeline. I have two little girls. The six-year-old is a big Madeline fan, as is her mother, and the other is just seven months. This book was a pleasant surprise for the eldeer child as a reward for a special success. We have included it in her bedtime reading list since, and though she knows the lines, it is a favorite. It also helps that my wife and I now have some examples to draw from for some everyday situations. It doesn't make a child into a "little angel " by itself (that would be another issue altogether). It does instruct by way of examples from a favorite character. Who could doubt Madeline?

My thanks to Mr. John Bemelmans Marciano for writing such a wonderful little gem! I would be happy to purchase another of these works. I think it will make a good gift for our nieces too...

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Marciano's Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book is a welcome addition to the Madeline library. Its similarity to Bemelman's drawing and rhyming styles is almost uncanny, which makes for a breezy and charming read.

Admittedly, the subject matter--the many ways in which a child can be polite and express proper gratitude--often carries the tone of a politically correct lecture. But the message goes down easily when delivered by the "bad-hat" boy next door, Madeline's faithful dog, or Madeline herself. If you're unfamiliar with this children's-book character, this book is a worthy introduction--although the earlier books will show just how much Madeline doesn't follow her own rules of etiquette.

My daughter, 20 months, received this book for Christmas. She was already a Madeline fan. She loves this book, and frequently says "Meeshee" (Merci) -- then she will tell me that is "finch!" (French). The rhymes are cute, the illustrations true in style to the original Madeline, and I am glad to see a humorous, fun book about manners for girls.

This is cute for kids who are Madeline fans. It has some good lessons, too. However, it is not a story, more like each page contains seperate prose about good manners. So, it is not a great story and my little girl will read it, but she doesn't ask for it over and over like the other Madeline books because there is no story to it.

This book is great for teaching young children manners, e.g., how to say please, thank you and sorry. As other reviews state, this is not a typical picture book in that it tells a story. Rather it's divided into sections, each one covering a different manner to be taught, with examples of when certain manners should be used.

You can easily see the influence of Ludwig Bemelmans in his grandson's artwork. But Marciano's illustrations make excellent use of color that adds more vibrancy than the original Madeline books.

I wouldn't recommend this book as an introduction to the world of Madeline. The original Madeline, Reissue of 1939 edition or the Caldecott Medal Award-winning Madeline's Rescue are better suited for that. But if you're already familiar with Madeline, Pepito, Miss Clavel and friends, this would make a fun read.

My 3-year-old daughter and I have enjoyed this book very much; she took it to preschool to share with her teachers and friends. The rhymes are fun and the the pictures are cute, illustrating examples of good manners as well as rude or risky behaviors and accidents. My daughter's favorite line is "Accidents happen without (intent or) warning; Madeline spilled her juice this morning." Although some pages are a bit wordy, one can easily skip to preferred lines and sections. With all the programs on American television that promote aggressive and irresponsible behavior (sadly, even Sesame Street is often too loud and frantic) this book is sweet and a welcome reminder that words and actions matter in relating to other children, adults, and pets. This Madeline book is a winner!

This book is useful for teaching basic manners to a young girl who loves the character Madeline. It is not a story in the traditional sense and if you are expecting a book in the vein of the classic five Madeline's you will be disappointed. On the up side it makes manners seem classy to the younger set.

Just got this for my 3-year-old who adores Madeline. It is supremely lovely, with adorable drawings, and the cutest guidance on manners. Anyone who has a toddler knows how demanding, naughty and haughty they can be, and this book offers gentle etiquette guidance, in a rhyming format. It's intelligent and cute, and will delight kids and adults. This should be a favorite--and a staple--for any parents who want to turn a naughty toddler into a young lady. At least it offers some hope!!! The DVD's are also wonderful, with gentle lessons in each one about being polite and honest--something that is quite unknown to toddlers. The stories are old-fashioned yet timeless. Madeline is my hero!

Everyone's favorite unintentionally naughty girl is learning manners. What a wonderful idea for the younger generation. My grandchildren especially love learning the few French words along with the story and manners. Thank you!