Parents' Guide to

Madeline and the Bad Hat

Book Ludwig Bemelmans Picture Book 1957
Madeline and the Bad Hat Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Jennifer Gennari , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

A little heavy-handed, but still a charming book.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 5+

Based on 2 parent reviews

www.rascallywes@aol.com
[email protected] Parent of 17-year-old
February 15, 2011
age 2+

hate it nearing the end when he learns his lesson how can he see with one eye and or talk to madeline through the bandages
jengrammer
jengrammer Parent of 1, 4 and 7-year-old
June 3, 2009
age 8+

Not for sensitive children or for children you don't wish to desensitize

I love the Madeline books as do my daughters but I was appalled at this one. We skipped reading it because I think a book for young children shouldn't show a little boy cutting off chicken's heads to be mean. I would not read it to young children. The others in the series are excellent, however
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The Spanish ambassador moves in next door, and Madeline soon discovers that Pepito, his son, is a bad boy. Gradually, Pepito's pranks escalate, but despite the intensity of his teasing behavior, Pepito eventually learns his lesson. Ludwig Bemelmans's illustrations of Paris life, particularly a market scene, are as charming as ever.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

To make the point that Pepito is a bad hat, Bemelmans goes overboard, progressing from standard mischief to downright cruelty. The most offensive verse revolves around Pepito's creation: a guillotine. Pepito, the author writes, "was unmoved by the last look / the frightened chickens gave the cook."

Despite the intensity of Pepito's bad behavior, the message is clear: He has to change if he wants Madeline and the other girls to play with him. Children will recognize all of Pepito's attempts to make friends, including showing off, and the illustration of the changed Pepito and the girls setting free birds, butterflies, and other animals is heartwarming.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about ways to go about making new friends. Do you change your behavior to impress them or be more like them? Or is it better to just be yourself?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate