Children’s book review: ‘Madeline,’ ‘Harriet’ still loved
The qualities that make a children’s story enduring and memorable are ineffable. Is it the way a certain character is depicted? Is it the way a setting is convincingly constructed? Is it the perfect choice and placement of a word in a sentence? Is it the just-so use of color or line in an illustration? It can be all of these things and so much more. There are many children’s books that fit into this category. Who can forget Beth’s poignant death scene in Louisa May Alcott’s novel “Little Women” or the little green caterpillar’s distraught expression when he overindulges in Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”?
Two classic children’s books celebrate milestone birthdays this month. By virtue of their stellar writing, finely drawn characters and compelling plots, these books continue to resonate with readers decades after their original publications.
Seventy-five years ago in 1939, readers were introduced to an irrepressible little red-haired girl named Madeline. The book “Madeline” was written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. Madeline lives in a house with 11 other little girls and their kind, competent caretaker, Miss Clavel. Using brief, rhyming lines Bemelmans endears Madeline to readers. Madeline is small but brave and active: “She was not afraid of mice — /she loved winter, snow, and ice. /To the tiger in the zoo /Madeline just said, ‘Pooh-pooh.’” Bemelman’s inimitable illustrations are iconic. Most of the scenes are bathed in a yellow wash. Each figure is little more than a few lines and squiggles, but taken as a whole, the lines and squiggles add up to scenes full of detail and charm.
Fifty years ago in 1964, readers were introduced to Harriet M. Welsch, the 11-year-old heroine of “Harriet the Spy.” Written by Louise Fitzhugh, “Harriet the Spy” describes a few months’ span in Harriet’s life. Readers learn right away that Harriet is not a typical heroine. She is smart and loyal to her friends, but she is bossy and pedantic as well. Extremely interested in the behavior of people around her, Harriet carries with her at all times a notebook where she jots down her observations and opinions. When classmates find her notebook and read its contents, Harriet’s world is set askew. This time in her life is made all the worse when her beloved nanny and confidante, Ole Golly, quits her job to get married. At its heart, “Harriet the Spy” is a coming of age story. Harriet experiences painful but necessary growth as she discovers how her actions hurt people. Accepting responsibility for her actions brings with it a host of challenges, but Harriet devises an honest, creative way to make things right again. In the end, Harriet’s spunkiness is still intact but tempered with kindness and empathy.
“Madeline” and “Harriet the Spy” are available for checkout through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit www.buncombecounty.org/library for details.
This book is / these books are available in the Buncombe County Public Libraries. To learn more, visit www.buncombecounty.org/library.