Madlenka
By Peter Sís
The Story
A little girl with a wobbly loose tooth runs around her city block to tell everyone the big news, and discovers her neighbors carry whole countries with them.
Why It's Special
For the kid bursting to announce every loose tooth, lost sock, and small triumph to anyone who'll listen, Madlenka's lap around the block feels like home.
- Big idea: A single city block can hold the whole world, if you actually stop and notice your neighbors.
- Vibes: Buoyant, curious, and full of wonder — a walk around the block that keeps opening up.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories set in cities and neighborhoods
- like to peek through flaps and die-cut windows
- are working on noticing and appreciating different cultures
- love sharing exciting news with everyone they meet
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Madlenka wanted to go around the whole block to share her news?
- Imagination: The French baker, the Italian ice-cream man, and the other neighbors each carry memories from far-away places — what memory would you want to share with your neighbors?
- Real-life connection: Do you know any neighbors who grew up somewhere far away? What have they told you about it?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Madlenka felt when she finally got to show off her loose tooth?
- Story & problem-solving: What did looking through the die-cut windows show you about each neighbor's home country?
