O’Hara’s illustrations perfectly match Dahl’s lively writing. The contrast between the Hotel Mermaid’s beach and the stormy scenes of Madame Badobedah’s past is especially powerful.
Readers will be charmed by Mabel’s energy and by the mystery surrounding Madame Badobedah. Teachers and parents can use this book to discuss friendship, judging people based on first impressions and imagination.

The story uncovers the facts about the Madame slowly, drawing more and more out with each small visit Mabel makes to this strange yet intriguing person. This makes the story enjoyable and keeps the reader interested…Parents and teachers could use this story to discuss the dangers of judging people from first impressions and the wide variety of friendships that work between many different people. The illustrations are quite charming and whimsical and compliment the story very well. However, I am not sure who this book is aimed at; it would be a great first novel for younger children but is presented as rather a long picture book format. Read over three sittings using the three parts as a natural break is probably the best way to introduce this story to the younger children. Recommended.