50 Things I Wish I’d Told You

From practical lessons on how to make a bed, how to iron a shirt, and how to rent your first apartment, to personal advice on the perfect handshake, and making small talk

These are the lessons that would have been passed on had there been a few more hours in the day. This book at once reassures, encourages, enlightens, and amuses, and is the perfect gift is the perfect gift for any teenager whose parent didn’t quite have enough time to impart all their worldly wisdom before they left home.

Including amusing guides on how to curb bad habits and invaluable tips on keeping a plant alive, the book is illustrated throughout by celebrated artist Laura Quick, with her characteristic drawings both poignant and comical.

Life is full of valuable lessons, yet none more so than those passed from parent to child. While mothers and fathers always mean to pass on their esteemed nuggets of wisdom, time and practicalities often get in the way. The time to fly the nest comes around quickly, and some of those lessons will come in handy.

About the contributor(s):

Polly Powell is a book publisher who decided to write this book for her two grown-up children. She lives in hope of seeing the perfectly ironed shirt. Laura Quick is a specialist in editorial Illustration and design. She has worked with fashion photographers, artists, and designers, and for the likes of the Guardian, The BBC, and The Royal Opera House.