Madame Badobedah
By Sophie Dahl
Illustrated by Lauren O'Hara
Somerville, MA: Walker Books US, 2020. Picture book.
Mabel lives with her parents at a quirky B&B called The Mermaid Hotel. One day, an old woman with a gravelly voice arrives to stay in room #32 with heavy suitcases filled with jewels, coins, and curios. Naturally, Mabel is suspicious - this cranky old woman has all the trappings of a super villain. She even feeds her beady-eyed pet tortoise bananas - YUCK! Mabel concludes that she needs to spy on Madame Badobedah (not her real name, just the best sinister super-villain name that Mabel could think up) for the safety of the world. Though the grown-ups at The Mermaid Hotel find Madame Badobedah a bit rude, one day she invites Mabel in for a cup of tea and a game of pirates. As the two become friends, Mabel that first impressions aren't always correct and you can find friends in all kinds of places.
Sophie Dahl's first book for children is a truly special one indeed. If the cover hasn't already tipped you off, this is the kind of book that celebrates quirky children and inter-generational friendships. Careful text transforms what might be the sadness of growing old into a glamorous and joyful adventure. Retro-feeling illustrations and considerate details (Madame wears Shalimar perfume, of course) are sure to make this a favorite to pore over for years to come. A lengthy picture book, but well-worth taking the time to savor.
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