Madeline and the Old House in Paris (Madeline)

In Marciano's third Madeline title, he resurrects the mischievous character of Pepito, the son of the Spanish Ambassador who first appeared in Ludwig Bemelmans's Madeline and the Bad Hat. It turns out that a ghost haunts the vine-covered Parisian house that Madeline, Miss Clavel, and the other girls inhabit--it's that of the scientifically accomplished man who originally built the dwelling. With a rare comet approaching, Madeline and Pepito conspire to help the ghost rest in peace. Marciano does a fine job of replicating the mood, spirit, and look of his grandfather's much-admired books, while emphasizing themes of mischief and justice in this outing. Ages 3-5. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. (Oct.)

K-Gr 2--Madeline and her friend Pepito come to the aid of a sad spirit in this offering from Bemelmans's grandson. Ghoulish groans of "Woo-hoo" from the attic make the orphans and Pepito cry "Boohoo," but Madeline heads off to investigate and says, "Pooh-pooh" when confronted with the apparition of Felix de Lamorte. The former astronomer, who has been waiting 221 years for the return of a comet so he may rest in peace, is devastated because his telescope has been stolen by the head of the school. In ghostly disguise, Madeline and Pepito pay the thief a midnight visit: "Awake! Awake! Lord Cucuface!/and save yourself from foul disgrace!/You've crossed a line that's awfully fine/by taking what is rightly mine." Marciano's full-color illustrations faithfully recreate such iconic images as Miss Clavel and "twelve little girls in two straight lines." The background scenes feature Parisian chateaus and the Seine. Although the rhyming text lacks the accomplished flair of the original books, Madeline's fans will enjoy her adventures.--Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada