Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Madeline and the Cats of Rome

Orange Beautiful used the original Madeline Book as part of her adorable, lavender nursery.

While I know most of the cats running around Rome are generally of the mean and mangy variety, the concept for this new book warms my heart nonetheless.

Madeline, the first of a series of books about an adventurous little French girl, was originally written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans in 1939. Almost seventy years later, Bemelmans' grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano continues the family tradition with Madeline and the Cats of Rome, published this month. Even though Marciano never met his famous grandfather, he based his illustrations on the pencil sketches Bemelmans left behind.

Since 1947, Madeline fans have been flocking to The Carlyle Hotel, where Bemelmans Bar features a mural by Ludwig Bemelmans and a weekly Madeline Tea. The deco-style room was recently restored in 2002.

Befriending a gattino randagio, Italy 2005.

As a lover of cats, Italy and mid-century children's book illustrators, I know this book is going on my wishlist.

12 comments:

Pigtown*Design said...

Funny! I have a bunch of pix from Rome and there's always a cat or two in them!

pve design said...

Oh, I have another book with cats, an illustrated one that you will love.... running upstairs to fetch this one and tell you the title as I think you will love it too.

paperlily said...

I'm going to add this to amazon wishlist as well. I've always loved the Madeline books- for both the story and illustrations.

(My cat jumped on my lamp as I was writing this!)

Style Court said...

Madeline is my other all-time favorite childhood book. And I loved Orange B's nursery.

Have you ever seen Bemelmans: The Life and Art of Madeline's Creator ?

Brilliant Asylum said...

I think I need to add the Bemelmans Bio to the wishlist too.

erin said...

I had no idea they were making this book, and I love Madeline,cats & live in rome! thank you again for a fun tip. my daughter will be so happy!

The Peak of Chic said...

I can't wait to get this book! Wasn't there a Madeline/ Bemelmans exhibit at the High many years ago?

Brilliant Asylum said...

I missed the exhibit. I still have not been to Bemelmans Bar either--or I was not paying attention to the mural if so. The New York years are a bit fuzzy.

Sabina said...

I love the Madeline books and
illustrations.

Cute picture at the bottom of you with the gattino randagio.

Happy Friday!!

Joslyn said...

i love this book...and laura's nursery is stunning.

we're a bit obsessed with madeline at my house. my 5 year old is dressing as her for halloween.

Material Girls said...

Such a cute nursery!

Anonymous said...

The kitten is the cutest little thing I've seen today. I wish I could be there and pet him or her. Cute little kittie.

-Zane of ontario honey