Featuring an introduction by Ludwig Bemelmans' daughter, a rerelease of the 1950 classic ode to New York City by the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of the Madeline series follows the experiences of a crotchety landlord who discovers his much-needed new tenant is a music teacher.

With everyone else sick in bed with a cold on Christmas Eve, it is up to Madeline to run the school, and she finds a remarkable helper in a rug-selling magician.

Pepito, son of the Spanish Ambassador, and Madeline, rescued by gypsies during a storm, travel and perform with their wandering friends until they again find Miss Clavel.