Today I read a delightful little book that I'm sure is familiar to many of you, but it was my first time reading it. I happened to notice it in a box of books in the classroom I was teaching in. I work at an early childhood center, taking care of children from six weeks to five years of age, so there are a lot of books, and I read a lot of children's books. The title of this one was very familiar to me so I wanted to read it right then.

While the children were napping I read it, twice, and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are not familiar with Madeline, she is the smallest girl in a school of 12 girls, but she is also the bravest. Madeline lives in Paris and she is neither afraid of mice nor tigers!

The book was originally written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans in 1939, so some details of the story are a little dated. That doesn't take away from the fun of this little book at all. Treat yourself to reading this book or rereading it and being inspired by Madeline.

There are several different types of Madeline dolls available, which are based on the series of books. For those who already have a Madeline doll, or who would like to have one, there a patterns available right here on the Doll Making Site at BellaOnline that will fit 18 inch cloth Madeline dolls and can be found at the Raggedy Ann and Andy and Madeline Homepage.

Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls
Ebook with patterns and instructions to make 5 cloth dolls as well as chapters on general doll making techniques.The book includes 21 inch Lalena Doll, 21 inch David Doll, Bear Dolls, 9 inch Destiny Doll and 15 inch Annie Doll, all together in one handy book. 53 pages.Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls.