Madame Badobedah
#1 of 2 in Madame Badobedah Series
What’s inside...
Who is Madame Badobedah? Mabel sets out to prove that an eccentric new hotel guest is really a supervillain in this witty storybook about an intergenerational friendship. There's a strange new guest at the Mermaid Hotel -- a very old lady with a growly voice, bags stuffed with jewelry and coins and curiosities, and a beady-eyed pet tortoise. Mabel, whose parents run the hotel, is suspicious. Who is this 'Madame Badobedah' (it rhymes with 'Oo la la') who has come to stay indefinitely and never has any visitors? To find out, Mabel puts on her spy costume and observes the new guest. Conclusion? She must be a secret supervillain hiding out from the law. The grown-ups think Madame Badobedah is a bit rude -- and sad -- but when she invites 'dahlink' Mabel for a cup of forbidden tea and a game of pirates, the two begin a series of imaginary adventures together, and Mabel realizes that first impressions can sometimes be very wrong.
Discussion points
Why do you think Madame Badobedah likes to keep so many secrets?
How does the friendship between Mabel and Madame Badobedah grow, and what do you think brings them closer?
What are some ways that Mabel shows kindness to Madame Badobedah, and why is kindness important?
How do Mabel and Madame Badobedah learn from each other, and what lessons can we learn from their experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your favorite character from the story and why they appeal to you, encouraging your child to do the same.
Relate the theme of intergenerational friendship in the story to your child's life by asking about friendships they have with people of different ages.
Discuss the concept of mystery and secrets in the book, asking your child what they might do if they encountered someone mysterious like Madame Badobedah.
Encourage empathy by exploring how Madame Badobedah might have felt moving into a new place and meeting new people, asking how your child might help someone in a similar situation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Madame Badobedah', the young protagonist learns to understand and empathize with the mysterious elderly guest, who initially seems grumpy and intimidating.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be patient and open-minded, trying to understand people who are different from them rather than making quick judgments.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Curiosity
Explanation: The story celebrates the power of imagination through the adventures the protagonist imagines having with Madame Badobedah. These imaginative games help bridge the generational gap between them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in play and interactions, helping them to create bonds with others and enhance their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The evolving friendship between the protagonist and Madame Badobedah demonstrates the importance and value of unlikely friendships and how they can enrich our lives.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of forming friendships with people who might not look or act the same way they do, promoting a diverse and inclusive mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: History and Learning from Elders
Explanation: Madame Badobedah shares stories from her past that are full of historical references, teaching the young girl about different times and experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to listen to stories from older family members or friends, fostering an appreciation for history and learning from the lived experiences of others.