Lots of Jacqueline Wilson's characters are well-known and well-loved by thousands of readers: Hetty Feather, Ruby and Garnet, Pearl and Jodie, Elsa, Lily and, of course, the brilliant Tracy Beaker! But how much do you know about Jacqueline herself? Jacqueline takes a look back at her own childhood and teenage years in this captivating story of friendships, loneliness, books, family life and much more. She explores her past with the same warmth and lightness of touch that make her novels so special. Best of all, she reveals how she was always determined to be a writer; from the very first story she wrote, it was clear that this little girl had a very vivid imagination! But who would've guessed that she would grow up to be the mega-bestselling, award-winning Jacqueline Wilson? With original photographs and new illustrations by Nick Sharratt, this book is a delight for all of Jacky's fans, and a treat for any new readers too.

About the Author

JACQUELINE WILSON: Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain's most outstanding writers for young readers. She is the most borrowed author from British libraries and has sold over 25 million books in this country. As a child, she always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first 'novel' when she was nine, filling countless exercise books as she grew up. She started work at a publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which was named after her) before turning to write fiction full time. Jacqueline has been honoured with many of the UK's top awards for children's books, inclusding the Guardian Children's Fiction Award, the Smarties Prize, the Red House Book Award and the Children's Book of the Year. She was awarded an OBE in 2002 and is the children's Laureate for 2005-2007. NICK SHARRATT: Nick Sharratt knew from an early age that he wanted to use his artistic skills in his career. He went to Manchester Polytechnic to do an Art Foundation course, followed by a BA )hONS) in Graphic Design at St Martin's School of Art in London. Since graduating in 1984, Nick has been working full-time as an illustrator, with his work hugely in demand for children's books. His famous collaboration with Jacqueline Wilson began with The Story of Tracy Beaker, published in 1991 and he has illustrated every one of her best-selling books published by Doubleday/Corgi since then. Nick also illustrates full-colour picture and novelty books such as Eat Your Peas (Bodley Head), written by Kes Gray, which won the 2000 Children's Book Award and Pants (David Fickling Books), written by Giles Andreae, which also won the Children's Book Award and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2003. He also writes his own picture books. Nick lives in Brighton, Sussex.

Prizes

A wonderful depiction of her own childhood which every child will want to read, from the Children's Laureate

Reviews

"A brilliant writer of wit and subtlety."
-"The Times"

"From the Hardcover edition."