A review by bookishalice
The Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilson

challenging emotional sad fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 Like a lot of other people, Jacqueline Wilson books were a big part of my childhood. But the Illustrated Mum was one I actually never read when I was younger. So, I was excited to see what happened and how it felt to read her books as an adult.

Turns out it felt incredibly emotional. Her books had always been profound to me, but the themes in this book were something I can’t imagine comprehending as a child. Wilson addresses mental health, single parenthood, poverty and sisterhood. 

What resonated most with me was the relationship between sisters Star and Dolphin. I think it mirrored my own experience of having a sister - that they’re always there for you, but as they grow older, it can be very hard to adjust. 

Although I did not read this as a child myself, I can imagine it being a read that would introduce children to how books are a portal for understanding other people. A way to develop empathy and compassion. 
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