A timeless illustrated story of friendship, dinosaurs and the magic of imagination for readers aged 5+ by a bestselling author and an award-winning artist. Mabel lives with her parents in The Mermaid Hotel by the sea. She likes to keep an eye on the comings and goings of all the guests, particularly their most interesting guest and Mabel's best friend, Madame Badobedah: one of the first lady explorers who has travelled all over the world!Madame Badobedah has pirouetted through pyramids, skated across rivers, swum with mermaids and even helped a Triceratops with a toothache – now she tells Mabel all about her adventures while the two mudlark at the seaside.And Madame Badobedah and Mabel team up for a new adventure: returning a priceless emerald to the Natural History Museum. And, just maybe, they will meet a dinosaur along the way…PRAISE FOR MADAME BADOBEDAH"Illustrated with airy, light-hearted charm by Lauren O’Hara [...] This longer-form picture book taps astutely into the imaginative life of an adventurous child, is lovely both the read and listen to." The Guardian"Swashbuckling and mysterious [...] I can't recommend it enough as a gift [...] it's a beautiful kids' book" Dolly Alderton"Any imaginative child will warm to this funny, touching story of lonely only child Mabel. Beautifully illustrated, this is a joyous debut." The Daily Mail"My favourite contemporary kids’ author" Evening Standard Magazine“a playful and beguiling voice” The Observer"Dahl’s engaging style – teamed with Lauren O’Hara’s gorgeous illustrations – make it a book to remember." Press Association"Innocence meets experience in this story that’s as beautifully illustrated as it is told." i newspaper"plenty of charm" The Daily Telegraph"one of 2019’s most exciting and imaginative picture books [...] Sophie Dahl’s debut for children is wonderfully eccentric and imaginative, and also tells a powerful tale of friendship [...]The pictures are also a pure delight." The Sun
