Madeline Books in Order
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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.
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Buy on Amazon1939 · 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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Buy on Amazon1953 · 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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Buy on Amazon1956 · 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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Buy on AmazonYear 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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Buy on Amazon1959 · 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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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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Buy on AmazonMadeline 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.
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Buy on Amazon1994
For everyone who loves paper dolls, here's an irresistible treat—Madeline and Pepito, straight from the old house in Paris, with outfits for school,…
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Buy on Amazon2001
Madeline learns her manners! Madeline loves adventure and is not afraid of mice. She loves winter, snow, and ice. And she also knows the secret to…
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Buy on Amazon2005
Madelines says hello to a tiger, butterfly and even a mouse in this charming, boardbook edition! This charming, rhyming board book is just right for…
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Buy on Amazon2008
Madeline visits Rome! The Paris skies are gray, so Miss Clavel and the twelve little girls are leaving for brighter weather---spring in Rome. Rome…
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Buy on Amazon2011
Bestselling and beloved Madeline visits the Oval Office! Readers will see Washington, D.C., as never before, when Madeline takes a midnight…
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Buy on AmazonMadeline and the Old House in Paris
2013
To the ghost, Madeline said "Pooh-pooh." Madeline and her favorite companion in mischief, Pepito, embark on their wildest adventure yet. When ghostly…
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Buy on Amazon2021
In the same mini-hardcover format as Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar and Love from the Crayons comes another love-themed book starring one of…
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Buy on Amazon2022
Ludwig Bemelmans's beloved character Madeline is back, and here to teach young readers how to count. Using familiar faces and settings from the…
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Buy on Amazon2022
Ludwig Bemelmans's beloved character Madeline is back, and here to teach a new audience the alphabet. She'll use examples of each letter from the…
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Buy on Amazon2025
Whether it's cleaning up, helping a friend when they fall, or lending a listening ear—there are endless opportunities to show someone you care. Full…
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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.