Madeline Books in Order

4.2/5 · 65 ratings across 3 books · Open Library

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The Madeline book series by Ludwig Bemelmans consists of seven books published between 1939 and 2002, with the first book, Madeline, released in 1939. The stories are set primarily in Paris and include one set in London, following a young girl named Madeline who attends a boarding school. Each book centers on Madeline’s experiences as she faces various situations with courage and curiosity, highlighting her resilience and kindness. The series features whimsical elements and focuses on her interactions and responses to challenges within her school environment. The narrative is presented through illustrated text, with Bemelmans serving as both author and illustrator. The books are written in a straightforward manner with a consistent tone, and the setting and character development remain central to each story.

✓ All 17 books verified against the publisher's official series list.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of Madeline

    Madeline

    1939 · Ludwig Bemelmans

    Nothing frightens Madeline, not tigers, not even mice. With an endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and whimsical drawings of Paris, the…

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  2. Cover of Madeline's Rescue

    Madeline's Rescue

    1953 · Ludwig Bemelmans

    A hound rescues a schoolgirl from the Seine and becomes a beloved school pet, but is chased away by the trustees. The hound later returns, bringing a…

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  3. Cover of Madeline and the Bad Hat

    Madeline and the Bad Hat

    1956 · Ludwig Bemelmans

    When the Spanish ambassador moves in next door, Madeline and the rest of the twelve little girls discover that his son is not the best neighbor.

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  4. Cover of Madeline's Christmas

    Madeline's Christmas

    Year unknown · Ludwig Bemelmans

    In this book by Ludwig Bemelmans, everyone else at the school falls sick in bed with a cold on Christmas Eve, leaving Madeline to run the school by…

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  5. Cover of Madeline and the Gypsies

    Madeline and the Gypsies

    1959 · Ludwig Bemelmans

    Pepito, son of the Spanish Ambassador, and Madeline, rescued by gypsies during a storm, travel and perform together with their wandering friends…

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  6. Madeline in London

    1961 · Ludwig Bemelmans

    Madeline in London is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. The story features the character Madeline, who is known…

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  7. Cover of Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales

    Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales

    Year unknown · Ludwig Bemelmans

    Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales is an illustrated collection of short stories by Ludwig Bemelmans, including one story featuring the…

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Companion & related books

Related titles and editions that sit outside the main numbered order.

Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Madeline books in?

Read them in publication order, starting with “Madeline”. Start with “Madeline.”

How many books are in the Madeline series?

We list 17 books by Ludwig Bemelmans , published between 1939–2025.

Where can I buy the Madeline books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.