  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 02/15/2020 *Starred Review* Perhaps it’s the turtle held aloft on a cushion or the tentacles snaking around luggage bursting with treasure, but the cover indicates that there’s something special about this book. Indeed, there are many somethings, but let’s start with the fact that it contains a surprisingly rare thing in picture books these days, a story rich in mystery, plot, and detail. At almost twice the length of a standard picture book, the tale is divided into three parts, narrated by inquisitive, pigtailed Mabel. Mabel lives at the Mermaid Hotel, a seaside bed-and-breakfast, where she likes to know everything about everyone, hence her habit of spying. Please note her raincoat-and-magnifying-glass ensemble. This is her account of the Mermaid Hotel’s most interesting guest, Madame Badobedah—a haughty, rich, old lady with an obscene number of suitcases and pets. It’s clear to Mabel that they’ve got an international jewel thief on their hands. Caught at the keyhole one day, Mabel is surprised when Madame Badobedah invites her in for tea, and a friendship begins between the two. Their imagined adventures and histories give way to confessions of truths and secrets, all of which play out in the glorious watercolor illustrations, shimmering with beachy hues, whimsy, and enchanting details. Youngsters ready for longer stories should pack their bags for the Mermaid Hotel without delay. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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