Madeline and the Gypsies

Rating:
Summary: Unfortunate stereotyping
Review: In this age of U.S. cultural diversity, we have achieved some level of tolerance and respect for most racial, ethnic and religious minorities. But the Romany people--or Gypsies--who are now losing more people in Eastern Europe to hate-related murder than at any time since the Holocaust--have not been heard: Even in America, most people know nothing of the Romany history, which included enslavement, and resultant poverty and misfortune. "Classics" like this one teach intolerance by playing on the common stereotype of Gypsies as fortune-tellers, thieves and kidnappers. Please think twice before buying a book that inflicts such a stereotype on others. Alyssa A. Lappen

Rating:
Summary: A disappointment
Review: My daughter loved the original Madeline, so we were excited to read her other adventures. I found this book quite disappointing. First, the rhymes are awkward and strained, making it difficult to read smoothly. Second, it perpetuates negative stereotypes of the Gypsy people. And finally, I found it quite distasteful that the children were sewn into the hide of a lion.

Rating:
Summary: Another Wonderful Adventure with Madeline and Pepito
Review: This book features all our favorite Madeline characters, in a flight of fantasy that has them caught up in a Gypsy circus. The story is fun, some of the rhymes a little strained, but is the illustrations that make this book such a pleasure for readers of all ages. The only risk with this book is that you may be called on to read it again and again by your young audience.