Madeline Says Merci: The Always Be Polite Book [Turtleback]

John Bemelmans Marciano (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2004

n an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.
Day in, day out, they got along fine
They'd hardly ever shout or whine.


Madeline loves adventure and is not afraid of mice. She loves winter, snow, and ice. And she also knows the secret of being polite is simply to be kind to others. With help from her friends--Miss Clavel, the girls, and even Pepito-Madeline introduces basic ideas such as please and thank you, sharing, cleaning up, and so much more. With its charming illustrations and humorous verse, this new book is a must-have for Madeline fans of all ages.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Learning some pleases and thank yous is virtually painless when that beloved redheaded Parisian, Madeline, is doing the teaching. John Bemelmans Marciano, grandson of Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelmans, pens a politeness how-to book, based on the characters and setting of the original Madeline. Divided into chapters headed "Hello," "Please and Thank You," "Kindness and Consideration," etc., the book-in-verse spells out appropriate actions in varying situations:

If you do something you know is wrong
Such as going where you don't belong
Don't make it worse by telling lies;
Say you're sorry and apologize.

Marciano is witty in both word and picture, and young fans of Madeline will certainly get the message without feeling too much like Miss Clavel is shaking her finger at them. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-The spunky French schoolgirl has been transformed into a mini "Miss Manners" in this story by the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans. As she wends her way through the streets of Paris, Madeline spreads a message of kindness and good behavior despite the occasional pillow fight and spilled juice. Is this the same child who dared to say, "Pooh-Pooh" to a tiger at the zoo? The pencil-and-gouache illustrations, reminiscent of the earlier books, suggest that that impish Parisian is still alive and well. While the rhyming text is a litany of all the ways to be very good, some of the verses are a bit awkward. However, the playful illustrations should draw a smile. This is not a new or particularly exciting adventure, but for those who wish to encourage a discussion of manners in a slightly humorous way, Madeline may be a helpful vehicle.

Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Turtleback
• Publisher: Demco Media (April 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606305696
• ISBN-13: 978-0606305693
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Manners Made Fun....., December 2, 2001

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book (Hardcover)

"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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A little gem of a book for a child., July 30, 2002

By 

reader "who_is_this" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book (Hardcover)

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...

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Madeline makes a welcome return, December 27, 2001

By 

Steven Bailey "Cinemaven" (Jacksonville Beach, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book (Hardcover)

...

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.