Madeline

YMA recommendation

	Approved as non-violent media, with caution. Distressing scenes; Slapstick comedy
Most suitable age range: 5–7 (children slightly older or younger may also enjoy this)

Availability

About the program

Synopsis

Kind hearted nun Miss Clavelle runs a boarding school in Paris for 12 young girls, the youngest of whom is an orphan named Madeline. Though small in size Madeline is big on creative ideas, and has the courage and determination to make a difference in the lives of people around her.

Points to consider

Words of caution

• Madeline is very scared as she listens to a radio program telling the story of a gigantic spider who weaves webs all over things and who will try to destroy Paris by covering it in webs. The story will be continued the following night and Madeline is frightened as she tries to go to sleep. Some children may be worried by Madeline’s reaction to the story
• In one episode someone slipped on an egg and fell down. Later egg was splattered onto someone’s face, followed by a pancake.
• During this same episode the young girls were shown cooking and baking, using a wide range of kitchen appliances including both the stove and oven with what appeared to be very little supervision. Parents may want to remind children that they should not use kitchen appliances without an adult.

Positive aspects

• Teaches that size doesn’t matter; Madeline who is the smallest is also the bravest
• Promotes cross cultural understanding through language and food and encourages children not to be fooled by the name or look of various dishes because you don’t know how delicious something is until you try
• Regularly uses languages other than English; the daily dialog is interspersed with both French and Spanish words and phrases
• Demonstrates the importance of kindness to others and also displays compassion, enthusiasm, optimism and creative thinking skills.

Questions to ask

• Why do you suppose Madeline was so frightened? Do you think that there are really gigantic spiders waiting to take over Paris?
• What can happen to children who are left in a kitchen and told to cook, even though they may not know how? Do you think it is safe to use the stove and oven or knives? What can you do to keep yourself safe in the kitchen? This line of questioning could lead to keeping yourself safe around the home as well as out in the community.
• Parents are also provided with an opportunity to discuss the importance of kindness to others and doing good deeds, even when it means that you may miss out on something in the process.