Madame Badobedah, written by Sophie Dahl and illustrated by Lauren O'Hara, Walker Books, Candlewick Press. Penguin Random House. 2019. $24.99 ages 6 and up

"... She wore two pairs of socks
on each foot. Underneath the socks,
her toes were long and purple-ish
with knobs on them. They were grim.
They were, in fact, the toes of a villain.

Since no one seemed to care that
we were living with a high priestess
of crime, I realized I was on my own,
as usual. I would have to wait for the
chance to catch her red-handed."

Mabel loves her life at the Mermaid Hotel. It is an unusual place, but it affords Mabel the opportunity for adventure (shoeless, no doubt) at every turn. There are other things adventurers like as well, and Mabel likes every single one of them.

"I prefer home. No shoes; more bare feet. And adventure. Lots of lovely adventure."

She explains it all in Part One of her story; she also introduces a most fascinating guest. She names that guest Madame Badobedah. 

"A good name for the growly-voiced, suitcase-heavy, feather-clad guest who I was one hundred and ten percent sure was a villain."

Any detective worth her salt is going to begin immediate reconnaissance to learn everything she can possibly learn about the woman. After much surveillance, Mabel is convinced that her instincts have not led her astray. Madame Badobedah is a 'supervillain'. Numbered lists are compiled to prove her theory. Mabel's evidence is strong. She will have to wait patiently for her moment.

In Part Two she wants to follow up on what she has already learned. To her surprise Madame B knows she is outside her door and invites Mabel inside. They have tea. Following that social event, they embark on imaginary adventures that the most ambitious daredevil would no likely undertake. What joy they provide!

It should come as no surprise that Sophie Dahl (granddaughter of Roald) has a gift for smart and sparkling writing. They is endless detail in her storytelling in her debut for children; her captivating characters are memorable and amusing. The first-person narrative is marvelous for the elaborate descriptions of the hotel and of their continuing experiences.  So creative and imaginative, readers will love both characters for their feistiness, their friendship, and their love of fantastic exploits. The watercolor illustrations are as detailed as the descriptions, adding a great deal of fun to the reading.