Some books are so familiar, so sturdy and welcoming, reading them feels like arriving home. Rereading Madeline for the first time in years felt like entering a time machine, brimming with nostalgia. As I read, I could only hear the words in my mother’s bedtime-story voice, which I hadn’t known I remembered.

Only Ludwig Bemelmans could pack so much into so few words that have continued to resonate for over 85 years. Twelve little girls, two straight lines, our bold and irreverent protagonist, and a medical emergency, all sealed with the universal adolescent experience of comically misplaced jealousy.

This book had such an impact on me because of its simple but expressive illustrations and the steady beat of its prose. The image of a rabbit-shaped crack in a hospital ceiling lives in a permanent spot in my mind.

Equal parts precious and mischievous, it is easy to see why Madeline is a classic that has stood the test of time. If it’s been a while since you’ve read it, I’d highly recommend refreshing your memory. For ages 2+.