Spring was in the air and at Miss Clavel's school for girls, all 13 girls were very excited for the warm season and we're looking forward to the Easter holiday. Madeline and Riley were the most excited of all.

Riley, Madeline and Easter Bonnet


Narrator : In an old house in Paris, that was covered in vines,

lived thirteen little girls,

in two straight lines.

As always, she follows her friends downstairs by sliding on the banister.

They left the house at half past nine,

in two straight lines,

in rain or shine.

As the girls went for their walk Madeline and Riley stepped out of line to smell and admire the flowers along the path. After a few moments,

The oldest one was Riley, and the smallest one was Madeline.

Riley said "We better get back in line before Miss Clavel catches us"

As they catch up to their friends.

Narrator: At Easter Paris, there were flowers from the banks of the Seine to the Eiffel tower.

Along each boulevard, and alley bloom crocus, and Lily of the Valley.

As the girls and their teacher walked through the park, The girls waved and smiled at their neighbors.

All the Girls: "Bonjour!"

Narrator: The street was filled with fresh morning dew, but not everyone looked brand new. Bon Bon, the old milk wagon man wore a straw hat, sorely in need of repairs, a sight that Riley and Madeline could not bear.

Madeline looked at the old milk horse sadly. The smallest girl then look over at her sister and said, Riley we have to help Bon Bon she looks so sad. Riley said oui sis and I know how to get the horse to stop.

Riley said "attention! Bon Bon Whoa whoa."

Hearing the command, Bon Bon stopped right away.

Madeline said "Good thinking Riley, come on!"

The twins ran to the milk cart with great speed thinking about ways to help the old milk horse.

Miss Clavel gasped "What is our Riley and Madeline up to now?"

Narrator: Said Miss Clavel with furrowed brow.

Madeline said "Bonjour Jack, Bonjour Bon Bon"

Jack said "Bonjour Madeline, Bonjour Riley"

Bon Bon neighs as it was her way of greeting the twins.

Madeline and Riley saw the old straw hat upon the horse's head.

The two little girls then looked at each other as they knew what they could do.

Madeline said "Bon Bon, your chapeau is a mess!"

Riley said "Yes, if you lend it to us, we could make it into a beautiful Easter bonnet!"

Jack said "Ah oui Riley, maybe if her hat looks better, then she will get a little prep back into her"

Madeline said "We will return it tomorrow Bon Bon, and it will look as fresh as Spring!"

Jack said "Très bien Mademoiselle's Madeline and Riley, but remember Bon Bon will not deliver milk without her hat!"

Riley said " Don't worry it will be ready first thing before you start your rounds."

Madeline said "Oui, it will Bon Bon!" Riley and I promise.

Narrator: So Riley and Madeline borrowed the tired old bonnet, and hurried home to begin work on it. The other girls wanted to help so much, that each one added her own special touch.

Riley

A little of this, a little of that.

And what have you got? A heavenly hat.

Madeline

Put on a bow, glue on some lace.

This heavenly hat will light up your face.

All the girls

Oh, a heavenly hat is better and new.

Oh, a heavenly hat is yellow, purple, orange, and blue.

Riley

A feather for luck.

Madeline

A ribbon for grace.

This heavenly hat will light up your face.

All the girls

Oh, a heavenly hat is better and new.

Oh, a heavenly hat is yellow, purple, orange, and blue.

Riley

A little of this.

A little of that.

What have you got? A heavenly hat.

All the girls

Oh, a heavenly hat is better and new.

Oh, a heavenly hat is yellow, purple, orange, and blue.

Narrator: Ribbons, and flower laces, and a bow soon made it a lovely new chapeau, although Madeline did not think it so.

Madeline said "No something is not right. No no no." Madeline then looked at the new reformed hat sharply.

All the girls said "No?"

Riley said "Madeline is right it still needs something." Riley agreed with her sister.

Madeline said "Thanks Riley, it still needs something, it needs something blue Ah , très bien!" Madeline placed a small Eiffel tower on the very top of the hat. "There now it's perfect. Madeline said .

"Oui Maddie it is Riley said as she gave her sister a hug.

All the girls "Ah!"

Madeline placed it on the hat.

Madeline said "At last, it's just right for Bon Bon"

That night none of the girls could fall asleep. All 13 girls were very excited to see the reaction of the old horse.

Narrator: On the next morning by dawn's early light, Bon Bon laid eyes on on the glory sight, her tired old hat was fresh, bright and brand new.

Riley said "Here is your bonnet Bon Bon!" As she put it on top of the horses head.

Madeline said "On Easter Morning, you will be the most beautiful horse in all of Paris!"

Jack smiled and said "Oh merci beaucoup Riley and Madeline, the old girl looks younger again. Miss Clavel, there is no charge for the milk today." You girls did a wonderful job.

Miss Clavel said "Merci beaucoup Jack."

Jack said "Merci Madeline, Merci Riley."

Madeline said "But of course, au revoir to you Monsieur Jack!"

Narrator: Bon bon was happy that early spring day, till a playful wind stole the hat away.

All the girls gasped.

Riley said "Oh no, the Chapeau,!"

Narrator: The girls all reacted with shocks and dismayed, and nothing would move Bon Bon not even hey; While Bon Bon's hat floated in the air, Miss Clavel knew there no time to spare.

Miss Clavel said "Hurry girls, we must go if we are to catch Bon Bon's Chapeau!"

Madeline said "Do not worry Bon bon, we will find your hat, you have Madeline's and Riley's words of honor!"

Riley said "Madeline, the world of honors is a promise!"

Madeline nodded and said I know and you know I never break a promise." Riley agreed

Narrator: the hat continued on the breeze above the blooming chestnut trees, oh yes that hat was quite a tease. As the hat sailed through the air, Madeline called to a man .

Madeline said "The hat, catch it Monsieur!"

The man couldn't catch it though. The wind died down a little and the hat landed on a branch in a tree.

Riley said "Voila, le Chapeau!"

The wind then blew again and the hat sailed out into the air once again

Miss Clavel Gasped.

The girls said "Oh no!"

Madeline said "Vit vit, la Chapeau, la Chapeau!

Everyone shouted "La Chapeau!"

Miss Clavel said "I am sorry little girls, but it has gone to far to catch."

Madeline said "But Miss Clavel, I gave my word of honor, and I never go back on my word of honor"

Miss Clavel said "J'regret beaucoup Madeline, but the hat is gone."

Narrator: Try as they might, did not find the hat, and Miss Clavel said 'That was that'.

Madeline knew that her teacher was right. Sighing sadly Madeline sat down on a bench as small tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Riley said "Don't worry Maddie, the hat will turn up again, I know it will, come on."

Oh I hope you're right Riley Madeline said as she wiped her eyes.

As both girls run to catch up to their friends.

Narrator: Still the hat went, to the hat went fro the hat causing trouble down below, oh it was the naughtiest chapeau. The hat made a stop along the way, where the latest spring fashions where on displayed inside the shop called "Maison Bagatelle's", businesses today was not going so well.

A lady was trying on many hats to see if they would suit her personality. However she wasn't impressed.

Bagatelle said "But Madame this hat is the latest spring fashion, it will make you the envy of all of Paris."

Madame said "But this hat is old fashioned, obviously I must go elsewhere."

Bagatelle said "But-"

Narrator: Then the wind blew in the hat, that flew it and landed right on Madame's head, and Monsieur's face turned bright bright red.

Bagatelle said "I apologize Madame, here permit me ." The store owner tried to take the hat away but.

Madame said "No, no, no, no, no now this is more like it Monsieur Bagatelle, tres chic!"

Bagatelle said very confused but impressed. "Oui tres moi, this is something that Paris has not seen before!"

Narrator: Back at the old house that same day, Bon Bon was causing much dismay.

Jack said "Oh she hadn't not budged since she lost her hat, please Bon bon we have got milk to deliver!"

Narrator: Bon bon simply would not go, without her hat she just said no.

Madeline said "Oh what I have I done, without Bon Bon's hat there is no milk, and without milk Paris will completely fall apart!"

Riley gave her sister a hug and said, don't worry Maddie I'm sure we will think of something.

Narrator: All over Paris there was a brawl, without fresh milk delivered to the door and it caused quite the commotion.

Just then an idea came to Madeline.

Madeline said "Jack this is my fault, but do not worry my friends and I will deliver the milk!"

All the girls said "Oui, oui!"

Miss Clavel said " Are you sure Madeline?"

Madeline said Oui and maybe we will even find Bon Bon's hat also.

Narrator: So the girls scurried up, and down the streets, delivering the milk, and dairy treats. When Madeline and Riley reached Aunt Kathy's house, Madeline knocked on the door. Kathy opened the door and was surprised to see her nieces standing in front of her.

"What are you two doing here have you both gotten in trouble again?" Kathy asked angrily.

"No Aunt Kathy Maddie and I have just come to deliver your milk. With that Madeline handed the milk bottles to her

Aunt. Kathy grabbed the bottles and said "You brats have better not ruined the milk."

"No Aunt Kathy Riley said.

"Good Now get off my porch you brats." Kathy angrily said as she pushed the twins causing them to fall off the porch. As the twins got up and dusted themselves off. Miss Clavel saw everything that had happened and rushed over to the twins.

"Are you two alright? There teacher asked.

"I'm fine. Riley said.

"Uh a little help please" Madeline called because she had landed in a prickly bush when Kathy had pushed her off the porch.

Riley and Miss Clavel helped Madeline out of the bush.

"You alright Maddie?" Riley asked?

Madeline nodded but winced as she had a small but painful scratch on her knee. Miss Clavel being the smart teacher that she was took a small bandage from her bag and placed it over the scratch of Madeline's knee. "Merci Miss Clavel.

" Miss Clavel smiled and kissed both of twins on the forehead. She then said, "Now I think it's time to get back home. Madeline and Riley had other plans though.

"Oh Miss Clavel can we keep looking for Bon Bon's hat please? Madeline pleaded. Miss Clavel thought about it for a moment.

Well alright as long as you two are back by dinner time. Miss Clavel said.

"Oh Merci Miss Clavel. Riley said. As she and Madeline ran off.

Be Careful you two Miss Clavel called.

Meanwhile back at the hat shop.

Madame said "Monsieur Bagatelle, you are a genius! I will take five of these hats one for each of my four daughter's, and one for me!"

Bagatelle said "Oui of course, whatever you say Madame."

Madame said "Just send them to my house in time for Easter s'il te plaît."

Bagatelle said "Oui Madame"

Narrator: While Madeline and Riley did their job so well, she saw Bon Bon's hat at Maison Bagatelle's.

Madeline gasped "Bon Bon's hat, oh I knew we would find it. Now how do I get it?"

Narrator: Madeline meant to keep her vow, but first she had to figure out how to get the hat without causing a riot.

Riley then ran up beside her little sister and said, " Madeline, what are you Looking at?"

Madeline said "Bon Bon's hat I knew we would find it. Riley's eyes lit up as she and her sister watched Bagatelle give the hat to one of his workers.

Bagatelle said "Here you are, take good care of it!"

Madeline said "Riley, will you help me get Bon Bon's hat back please?"

Riley said "Of course I have a plan, we go into the shop, and we look around for something for our Aunt"

Madeline said "Ah I love it, Riley let's go inside"

Narrator: Madeline and Riley entered determined to claim the hat they had made in Bon Bon's name.

Bagatelle was standing behind the counter and looked up when the door opened. The owner was surprised to see two little girls. Bagatelle said "Que puis-je faire pour vous Mademoiselle?"

Riley said "Oui Monsieur, I wanted that hat, the one your assistant just took, it would look wonderful on our Aunt for Easter Morning"

Bagatelle said "Oh J'regret Mademoiselle, but that hat has been sold. Allow me to show you some others."

Narrator: Madeline and Riley tried on style after style, but none of them brought her and her sister. as much as a smile.

Riley said "J'regret none of these hat are right, I must have that Chapeau"

Narrator: Then Bagatelle sighed and said "Well I can't sell it to you but you can see it. He then brought out his new sensation, the hat which had cause so much exaction.

Bagatelle said "This is my masterpiece, do you like Mademoiselle?"

Madeline said "May oui, it must be what we have been looking for, Monsieur"

Bagatelle said "Then would you like to order a copy for your Aunt?"

The twins could see the look in the owner's eyes.

Madeline and Riley knew Bagatelle had not made the hat.

Madeline said "You say you made this hat? Perhaps you could show us how?"

Bagatelle said "Ah oh no impossible, the public is never allowed in the work room."

Riley said "Please Monsieur, s'il te plaît?" She then nudged Madeline who made her begging eyes.

Bagatelle said "Bien I guess, we can make an exception just this once."

As Riley and Madeline giggled.

Narrator: Into the workroom went Riley and Madeline, to view the Bon Bon hat design.

Bagatelle said "Sisters, all we need is some laces and a little ribbon, and flower, and a bride oh yes, and voila Le Chapeau magnificent!"

The two employees got to work on hurriedly making the hat. When it was finished though.

Riley gasped "Oh no!"

Bagatelle said "Zut allors, a catastrophe!"

Narrator: Thought the new Hat had ribbon laces, and a bow, it was a nightmare as new hat goes.

Madeline said "So Monsieur, it seems like you did not design this hat after all."

Bagatelle said "Well-"

Riley said "You may as well know this hat belongs to our friend Bon bon, my friends and I made it for her."

Narrator: When Riley told the whole truth and the tales, it made poor Bagatelle turn pale.

Bagatelle said "Oh no, oh my, oh heavens where is this Bon Bon shop, how much did she pay you for your design? Perhaps Bon Bon, and I can make a deal." the man asked rubbing his hands eagerly.

Madeline laughed so hard that her stomach started to hurt. When she was finally able to speak again. Madeline said, "She doesn't have a shop you see," laughing again "She is a horse"

Bagatelle said "A horse?"

Narrator: Mr. Bagatelle was shocked of course when he learned his hat belonged to a horse.

Bagatelle started to laugh The owner said "A horse you say? Why very funny tale to me. His laughter then turned to tears as he cried. this hat, I must have this hat oh please?"

Narrator: Bagatelle begged for his spring collection, but his plea was met with stronger rejection.

Riley said "Sorry, this hat must be returned to Bon bon, the milk wagon horse. She won't move without her hat."

Bagatelle said "Pardon Moi, I will return la Chapeau to Bon Bon, but I am ruined ruined!"

Narrator: The poor designer was still crying , not seeing the gleam in Riley and Madeline's eyes.

Madeline said "Riley look at all this stuff and plain hats, we have everything we need right here to make new hats!"

Riley thought about it for a bit and nodded her head " Monsieur, my sister and I and our friends would be happy to make you another hat like it."

Narrator: Soon Bagatelle was feeling fine when he got the word from Riley that they would make a new design.

"Oh Merci, merci, merci Bagatelle said as he hugged Madeline. Riley then went and Called Miss Clavel using the phone in the back of the room.

Riley said "Miss Clavel this is Riley"

Miss Clavel said "Riley, thank you for remembering to call."

Narrator: She summoned there friends to return right away, to the street called Rue Saint Honoree. Riley, Madeline and friends made hat after hat after hat, but monsieur Bagatelle would not stop with that; His spring fashion show was to be the hit of the season, all for a very special reason.

After a long day everyone headed home. However everyone came back the next day for a very special showing of the new hats.

Bagatelle said "And now Madame and Monsieur I humbly present my new collection, 'The Bon Bon!'"

Narrator: Twelve little girls in two straight lines came down the runway dressed in pink, dress modeling Bagatelle's latest designs.

Bagatelle said "Madame and Monsieur's, I present the Jewel of my collection, the Madeline!"

Narrator: Applause continuous strong and loud, Miss Clavel and Kathy (Who was standing backstage with Miss Clavel.) were very proud. (Kathy couldn't do anything mean to her nieces since Miss Clavel was right there.

Kathy said "So how much are my Niece's creations Bagatelle?"

Madeline and Riley's creativity made Bagatelle the toast of Paris, but Bon Bon was in a deep depression, getting her hat back was her obsession.

Jack said "Oh Bon Bon please, we have got to deliver the milk!"

Narrator: And then she spotted a prized possession.

The Madame had the original hat on her head and Bon Bon took it without delay.

Madame said "Help thieve! That horse stole my chapeau, help call the Gendarme!"

Bagatelle was shaking hands with the little girls and said "Merci Riley and Madeline" You are both creative little artists. With that he handed a beautiful wrapped gift box to Riley.

Riley said "Ce n'était rien Monsieur!"

Madeline hearing the yelling down the street said "Huh what's going on?"

Narrator: Luckily Riley and Madeline rushed to the scene on the double. Riley took the hat off Bon Bon's head.

Riley said "Bon Bon pardon, madame here's your hat."

Madeline said "We are sorry, you can't have that hat Bon Bon because we have a new one that is even better, we have been preparing it for quite some time."

Narrator: They didn't give Bon Bon the same hat it was true, this one was better it had something new.

This new hat was the same design as the old one but it had carrots dangling down from the brim.

Madeline placed the hat on the horses head and the old horse instantly ate one of the carrots.

All the girls said "Ohh!"

Riley said "Well Bon Bon, what do you think? Do you want to give it back?" Bon Bon shook he head.

Jack said "Magnificent, now we will not have to stop for breakfast on our rounds. Madeline and Riley, you have saved the day!"

Madeline said "Well I gave my word of honor."

Narrator: On Easter Morning the following day, the girls went to their church to pray, then strolled along the Champs Elysses. Admiring the fashion of the day, the ladies showed off their latest passion, "The Madeline '' was the highest of fashion.

All the girls said "Bonjour!"

Madeline gasped, and pointed and said "Miss Clavel look!"

Miss Clavel said "Madeline it is not polite to point"

Madeline said "Pardon moi Miss Clavel but look!"

The group of girls looked up to see the Madame and her three daughters walking down the path now wearing a hat like Bon Bon's but instead of carrots it now had flowers hanging from the brim.

All the girls and even Miss Clavel giggled.

Narrator: When the girls returned home, there was milk at their door.

Miss Clavel said "Riley and Madeline, I think these are for you both"

Riley read the card "Merci?"

Madeline said "Happy Easter to you Bon Bon!"

Narrator :And that's all there is, there isn't anymore.