cover image Madeline at the White House

Madeline at the White House

John Bemelmans Marciano, Viking, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-670-01228-2

When her class visits the White House Easter Egg Roll, Madeline befriends the lonely first daughter, who's nicknamed Candle. Madeline, her magician (who appeared in Madeline's Christmas), and the 11 other girls, play with Candle in her room, hunt Easter eggs, and eat desserts until they have tummy aches. But Madeline and Candle bend the rules by staying up all night and getting a memorable nighttime ride on a "magic tide of cherry blossom," courtesy of the magician. Marciano's paintings are faithful to those of his grandfather, but his heroine (and story) feel more wispy than spirited. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)