The Illustrated Mum
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
Interest age: 10 to 14
Reading age: 10+
Published by Doubleday, 1982
About this book
Marigold, the ‘illustrated mum’ of the title, has elaborate tattoos covering her body from head to toe.
Narrated by Dolphin, the youngest of her two daughters, this is a moving, yet unsentimental account of two children coming to terms with their mother’s depression, mental instability and alcohol problem. Written with warmth, humour and understanding.
About the author
What to read next
We know that children can get hooked on a favourite book series or author and struggle to find something they love as much, but we’re here to help.
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We know it's so easy to get attached to a favourite author, and when their books are as good as Jacqueline Wilson's, it's no surprise that some children feel like they'll never find anything they love as much. But we've got some recommendations about great stories they can try next - and we want to hear your ideas too!
More books like this
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Bad Girls
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
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Clean Break
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
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Little Darlings
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
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Midnight
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
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The Diamond Girls
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books to help children understand depression in grown-ups
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100 Best Books 9-11
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Books to support mental health awareness for ages 8 and over
Books that acknowledge or explore mental health issues can help to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reduce stigma and develop real understanding. The following suggestions offer a spectrum of different perspectives and are well worth seeking out.
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100 best children's books
This is our list of the 100 best books for children from the last 100 years: the ultimate booklist to read before you're 14.