Author: Wilson, Jacqueline, Sharratt, Nick
Interest age: from c 9 years 
Published 01/03/2007 by Penguin Random House Children's UK (Yearling (imprint of Random House Children's Books) in the United States 
Paperback | 320 pages, B+W chapter heads t/o
Marigold isn't like other mums.
 'She's good at spending heaps of money that we haven't got. She's good at getting drunk. She's good at getting completely nutty ideas into her head.'Dolphin adores her mum - she's beautiful and vibrant. She's covered in colourful tattoos and with her bright hair and amazing clothes, Marigold stands out, wherever she goes.
But her sister, Star, feels differently.
Marigold may look great, but living with her unpredictable, fiery moods can be hard. After Marigold has a breakdown, Dolphin starts to wonder...is she the right person to be looking after her?From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, The Illustrated Mum is an optimistic tale about family, mental health and sisterly love. This is a must have book for every young reader. A powerfully portrayed, sometimes shocking but ultimately uplifting story, this is a book not to be missed - The Bookseller