Book Review - 'Madame Badobedah' by Sophie Dahl (Writer), Lauren O'Hara (Illustrator)

Well, Sophie Dahl suddenly keeps surprising me! First 'The Worst Sleepover in the World' and now this. What a positive new outlook - and reading - to start 2024 on! Maybe I'm more into Ms Dahl's children's picture books than anything else by her. These are wonderful, unique, and deep.

I love the colourful, cartoony illustrations by Lauren O'Hara, too; I've always admired her work, collaborating with her sister, Natalia O'Hara.

'Madame Badobedah' (I keep thinking "da-ba-dee-da-ba-die" whenever I read that) is sure to become a classic. It is a funny, sweet, creative, introspective, and even a little sad tale, set in a hotel (the Mermaid Hotel!) by the seaside. It is a mystery detective story, as well as a slice-of-life comedy, and magical realism. It is about not judging people before getting to know them, not jumping to conclusions, how imagination is a good thing but you mustn't let it get away with you and think negative things, and an unlikely friendship - between a mysterious rich old woman who seems to have everything and have been everywhere, and a young wannabe-spy girl, who is flawed like all children are.

Little Mabel's parents own the Mermaid Hotel. It is her home and whole life. She becomes suspicious of, and fascinated by, a stuffy, rude, private woman who shows up one day with dozens of suitcases and jewellery, and some pets. Mabel calls her Madame Badobedah, and a Villainess. Who is she? Is she in hiding? How long does she intend to stay at her beloved hotel? Mabel is sure the unusual guest is a criminal. Investigation time!

Read 'Madame Badobedah' to find out more. It grows into a heartwarming series of holiday-like snapshot pictures of... but I'm getting ahead of myself. Just read it.

A beautiful, crystalising friendship, and a fast tortoise, dogs, cats, oh and mermaids and pirates - these are all included in 'Madame Badobedah'. I can't recommend it enough. Ms Dahl clearly wrote this for adults as well as children. It is meant to transcend age, and age gaps. Anyone can live life to the full, and tell their relatable experiences to others, and be imaginative and creative, and play.

No one can truly be alone. They mustn't be alone, no matter how old they get, and life and people keep drifting further away from them.

Final Score: 4/5