Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1963)

Before its adaptation into hardcover book form in 1985, Madeline’s Christmas was first published as a special insert in the 1956 Christmas issue of McCall’s Magazine, which included an illustration of the present work. Set on Christmas Eve, the present scene depicts Madeline performing chores while everyone else in the school is sick with a cold. Curious after hearing a knock on the door, Madeline wonders if the visitor could be Santa Claus. Instead, she meets a rug merchant, who later transforms into a magician and takes the school on an unforgettable adventure.