[.ca] Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales (ISBN 0590039105)

From Amazon.com:
Madeline, in all her incarnations over six decades, has remained first and foremost one of "twelve little girls in two straight lines" in an old house in Paris. Now, with news that will astound her many fans, not to mention Madeline herself, she and her 11 cohorts find themselves on their way to Texas, U.S.A. Madeline a wealthy cowgirl? Why not! She handles her marvelous windfall with her usual aplomb, donning denim and boots to hop aboard a horse for a tour of her newly inherited gold mines, stampeding cattle herds, and gushing oil fields. At the end of the day, Miss Clavel prepares to tuck 12 little girls into bed--but wait... there are only 11! Where's Madeline? Traditionalists need not fear that wealth will corrupt their favorite little orphan. Some surprises are still in store, even for Madeline. While sorting through his grandfather's files, artist and writer John Bemelmans Marciano discovered the manuscript and pencil sketches for this last of the much-loved Madeline series. With great respect, Marciano completed the project with full-color paintings, and added two more of Bemelmans's holiday classics--"The Count and the Cobbler" and "Sunshine"--to create a collection no Bemelmans and Madeline devotee can do without. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright 1999 by Barbara Bemelmans, Madeline Bemelmans, and John Bemelmans Marciano. Used by permission of Scholastic Inc.) (Ages 4 to 8--or all ages, of course) --Emilie Coulter

One More Time!:
When Ludwig Bemelmans passed away he was working on a final Madeline book. Although he had completed the text, the pictures were only in sketch form. His grandson has apparently inherited all of his artistic talent and done a beautiful job completing his work. Adults and children alike will love this story. Plus - there are two other marvelous children's stories by Bemelmans re-published. Three books for the price of one!

NOT TYPICAL MADELINE!:
I was very disappointed after reading Madeline in America. I don't feel this story is in sync with other Madeline stories. The story dwelled on Money. I don't feel little children need to learn about trust funds, inheritance or all the things money can buy. I give the book 2 stars for the other 2 stories in the book that are not Madeline stories, but are quite cute. If you purchase this book, you may want to 'write your own story' to go along with the pictures in Madeline in America. The pictures are Texas scenes, and your children can probably tell a much better adventure story than an inheritance story. I feel obligated to let you know this isn't Typical Madeline so you will be prepared and not disappointed, as I was.

A must for your Madeline Collection!:
Although the "Madeline" story doesn't live up to the earlier books (the rhythm is bumpy), it is entertaining. The other stories are absolutely marvelous, as are all the illustrations. John Bemelmans Marciano is a worthy successor to his granddaddy. This would make a great Christmas gift for any Madeline fan.