Madeline

Madeline | Realistic Fiction | Ludwig Bemelmans | Caldecott Medal | ages 2-6 |

This is a story in Paris, where twelve little girls live in two straight lines, doing everything that way. Within them is a little girl who is a bit different in which she isn't afraid of rats, or go near the tiger from the zoo. One day, Madeline while they are all sleeping, begins crying because something is wrong. Her appendix is hurting and so they rush her to the hospital. Madame Clavel and the other girls one day decide to go visit Madeline and when they go, they see a big surprise. A scar on Madeline's tummy. When the girls go back, once again during the night, crying breaks out. They are crying because they too want their appendix out just like Madeline.

Another classic story dating back from 1939. I personally do enjoy this book. It's a classic and calm read. I would use this book in my class and I recommend it as well for preschool to second grade class. This book is also different in which it addresses a health issue many kids may not know about. Not only can we learn about appendicitis, but we can learn about how one comes to that point, and what we can do to prevent like eating healthier. It's very common now to see health problems relating to a bad diet now and it'll be a great moment to discuss with your students about this. We can also learn a little bit about Paris. Books can open your life to new places, real or fake. Together we can learn about one of the most famous cities. You can students create the Eiffel tower using toothpicks and marshmallows (you can replace the toothpicks with a safer option). Create their own French style version of themselves, or compare their culture with the French style.