The Illustrated Mum

A powerful novel about two sisters living in a very dysfunctional household with their tattoo-crazy mum, who is struggling to cope.Dolphin adores her mother, Marigold. She's got wonderful clothes, bright hair and vivid tattoos all over her body - a colourful lady, to match her colourful life. But Dolphin's older sister, Star, is beginning to wonder if living with Marigold's fiery, unpredictable moods is the best thing for the girls . . .

“"A marvelous, poignant tale. . . . Jacqueline's best yet."-Daily Telegraph(UK) "Disturbingly perceptive and provocative."-The Guardian(UK) "A powerfully portrayed, sometimes shocking but ultimately uplifting story, this is a book not to be missed."-The Bookseller(UK) Winner of the Children's Book of the Year Award in England From the Hardcover edition.”

Undoubtedly her best yet - single mum, feisty daughter, jaunty style - but there is a darker thread running through it Sunday Telegraph
A book that children will respond to and be empowered by . . . A powerfully portrayed, sometimes shocking but ultimately uplifting story, this is a book not to be missed The Bookseller
Darker, shocking in its exposure of the vulnerability of streetwise kids who have to seem tough, luridly well-written yet curiously as sentimental as Dickens Financial Times
More than lives up the expectations of the many readers eagerly waiting for her new book . . . disturbingly perceptive and provocative Guardian
Wilson is doing something important and rare. Not content to stand still, she's widening and deepening the scope of her work while maintaining its central hold on her readers. She's so good, it's exhilarating Guardian
Written with affection and wit . . . this could have been a sad story, but somehow it manages to sparkle as brilliantly as the mother's own numerous coloured tattoos Independent

Jacqueline Wilson (Author)Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain's bestselling and most beloved children's authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold.As well as winning many awards for her books, including the Children's Book of the Year, Jacqueline is a former Children's Laureate, and in 2008 she was appointed a Dame.Jacqueline is also a great reader, and has amassed over 20,000 books, along with her famous collection of silver rings.Find out more about Jacqueline and her books at k Sharratt (Illustrator)Nick Sharratt has written and illustrated many books for children including Shark in the Park, You Choose and Pants. He has won numerous awards for his picture books, including the Sheffield Children's Book Award and the 2001 Children's Book Award. He has also enjoyed stellar success illustrating Jacqueline Wilson's books. Nick lives in Hove.

Star used to love Marigold, love me, love our life together. We three were the colourful ones, like the glowing pictures inked all over Marigold . . . Covered from head to foot with glorious tattoos, Marigold is the brightest, most beautiful mother in the world. That's what Dolphin thinks (she just wishes her beautiful mum wouldn't stay out partying all night or go weird now and then.) Her older sister, Star, isn't so sure any more. She loves Marigold too, but sometimes she just can't help wishing she were more normal . . . This powerful and memorable tale for older readers now includes a special introduction from Jacqueline Wilson.

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