Bemelmans, << BEHM uhl muhnz, >> Ludwig (1898-1962), was an American author and artist. He became best known for his children’s books, especially six picture books about a young girl in Paris named Madeline. Bemelmans won the 1954 Caldecott Medal for his charming and colorful illustrations for Madeline’s Rescue (1953). He began the series with Madeline (1939).
Bemelmans was born on April 27, 1898, in a section of the Tyrol province of Austria now part of Italy, and moved to the United States in 1914. He became a U.S. citizen in 1918. Bemelmans also wrote stories and novels for adults. His nonfiction for adults includes a humorous autobiographical account of his experiences in the U.S. Army, My War with the United States (1937). He died on Oct. 1, 1962. A selection of his writings was published in 1985, after his death, as Tell Them It Was Wonderful.
