Another mind-blowing novel from the inimitable and gifted author Jacqueline Wilson who has a flair for writing in a way that appeals to a child?s way of thinking, and was recently declared ?Children?s laureate? after Enid Blyton and Michael Mopurgo. Jacqueline Wilson, a natural storyteller, makes sure that her characters are always credible. Her stories are usually about difficult parents, confused children and family strain and conflict. Lola Rose, published in 2004 by Corgi is no exception. This delightful book is once again illustrated by Nick Sharatt?s unique drawings.

Jayni Fenton, her little brother Kenny and their mother Nikki live with the children?s father Jay in a small flat. Jay, a very jealous and aggressive man often beats Nikki up. She endures it all silently but when he raises his hand against Jayni, it?s the last straw. That very night, Jayni, her mother and her brother escape into the night and, with the help of the lottery money Nikki has won, they manage to reach London.

As the lottery money is spent on treats and visits to the aquarium, Jayni starts worrying. What if their dad finds them? So, Nikki and Kenny Fenton become Victoria and Kendall Luck, while soft, mousy Jayni Fenton becomes the glamorous, grown-up Lola Rose.

A series of events follow, of which the most notable are the sudden and unwanted arrival in the children?s lives of Jake, Nikki/Victoria?s new boyfriend and later Jayni/Lola Rose befriending Harpreet, a quiet but loyal girl. But the critical moment is the discovery of the ?lump? which will change everyone?s lives forever.

Suddenly, Victoria/Nikki Luck?s good fortune disappears altogether as she has to go in hospital. Left on her own, with her despair, worries and responsibilities, Jayni/Lola Rose just has to be more grown up than she really feels. She needs someone, anyone? And that?s when a mysterious Guardian Angel swirls into the story. A very fat Guardian Angel, a single Guardian Angel, but a Guardian Angel nevertheless?

This book, as vivid as ?Secrets? and ?The Bed and Break-fast Star,? both by Jacqueline Wilson and as moving as ?Double Act? by the same author, lays quite some emphasis on the mother-daughter relationship, especially when Jayni/Lola Rose takes up the challenge her internal ?Voice of Doom? sets her and collects her reward : a talisman to make her mother better. An excellent read to sink your teeth into.

?Lola Rose? by Jacqueline Wilson, published by Corgi Books, 2004, is available/can be ordered at major book-shops.