A vast apparition towered over her on the doorstep. It wore a loose salmon pink coat... and tucked under its arm was an enormous imitation crocodile skin handbag... 'I'm Madame Doubtfire, dear.'

Lydia, Christopher and Natalie Hilliard are used to domestic turmoil and have been torn between their warring parents ever since the divorce. But all that changes when their mother takes on a most unusual cleaning lady. Despite her extraordinary appearance, Madame Doubtfire turns out to be a talented and efficient housekeeper and, for a short time at least, the arrangement is a resounding success. But, as the Hilliard children soon discover, there's more to Madame Doubtfire than domestic talents...

Reviewer: river

Very different to the film but in a good way. Obviously book came 1st! Was interesting as I am a child whose parents are divorced.

Observer Teenage Fiction Prize : Shortlist

Guardian Children's Book Prize : Finalist