Madeline and the Cats of Rome by John Bemelmans Marciano

Madeline is still presented as the same curious, brave little girl in the book entitled Madeline and the Cats of Rome. In addition, there are the same twelve little girls in this book along with the same caring Miss Clavel. Madeline and the Cats of Rome is about how Madeline, Miss Clavel and her twelve friends visit Rome in the spring time. On the other hand, some new characters are introduced in this storyline. Miss Clavel, Madeline and her friends take a trip to Rome. While in Rome Miss Clavel decides to take photographs of all the sites they visit. Miss Clavel was getting ready to take the last photograph for the day when a small child named Caterina stole the camera. Madeline and her dog chased after the thief only to find her hiding in an abandoned building full of cats. Caterina gives Madeline the camera back even though Caterina said she stole so she could feed her numerous cats. Madeline scolds Caterina for stealing because stealing is wrong no mater what the reasoning is. Personally, I believe that children were being presented as wide eyed and curious just like the cats that were included in this picture book. I did not like that this book sent the message that things are only seen as right and wrong. Many moral decisions are not simply right or wrong. On the other hand, I liked how Madeline forgave Caterina for stealing and helped her take care of her cats.