It’s no exaggeration to state that Jacqueline Wilson has profoundly influenced the childhoods of countless readers with her remarkable storytelling. As a former Children’s Laureate and a prolific author of over 100 books, she has redefined the way writers connect with young audiences. Moving away from the overly sweet and comforting narratives that dominated children’s literature before her time, Wilson’s stories delve into significant themes such as loneliness, domestic violence, grief, and neglect. Yet, even with these heavy topics, her books retain a warmth, humor, and readability that resonate with children. For instance, in The Story of Tracey Beaker and the beloved Girls series, readers find relatable characters and engaging plots. Now, as she prepares to release The Seaside Sleepover, the third installment in her Sleepover series, Wilson shares five children’s novels that have profoundly shaped her life and writing.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll
“Lewis Carroll’s classic novel is a delight to read, especially considering it was first published in 1865. I adore how Alice, a composed and inquisitive child, remains unfazed as she tumbles down the enormous rabbit hole by just the third page. The wonderfully bizarre characters she encounters in Wonderland—the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the frightening Duchess nursing her pig-baby—have become iconic figures in literary culture, thanks to the unforgettable charm of this book.”
Penguin Classics, £7.99
The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
“This haunting tale from my childhood stands out, even though there are no actual ghosts in the sprawling Misselthwaite Manor on the Yorkshire Moors. Our protagonist, Mary Lennox, is a sad and sullen girl sent to live with her uncle after becoming orphaned. Eventually, she discovers another mismatched child, Colin, who is sickly and hidden away in a dark, secluded bedroom. This subtle psychological story unfolds as both children blossom when Mary finds a secret garden and befriends Dickon, the child of nature, who brings along his extraordinary collection of pets.”
Wordsworth Classics, £3.99
The Railway Children, by E. Nesbit
“In this timeless story, a rather saintly mother, inspired by E. Nesbit herself, takes her three children to a country cottage after their father is unjustly accused of spying. The children—Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis—develop a fascination with the nearby steam railway, embarking on thrilling adventures. Since its publication in 1905, this story has inspired numerous film and television adaptations, but it’s the emotional ending of the original 1970 Jenny Agutter film that still brings me to tears.”
Faber Classics, £7.99
Ballet Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild
“Set in 1930s London, this enchanting tale follows the three adopted Fossil sisters as they attend stage school, aspiring to become child performers to help their family. Pauline dreams of being an actress, Posy is a natural ballet dancer, and the middle child, Petrova, harbors dreams of flying aeroplanes. I cherish this book because the characters feel incredibly real. I must admit, as a child, I often imagined my pink slippers were ballet shoes, pretending I was the fourth Fossil sister.”
Puffin, £7.99
Where The Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
“This remarkable picture book contains only 338 words, yet each is meticulously chosen, perfectly accompanying the stunning illustrations that depict Max in his wolf suit, mischief-making and being sent to his room by his mother. There, a forest grows, and Max sails away to the land of the Wild Things, where huge yet strangely charming monsters make him their king. They revel in a wild rumpus until Max, enticed by the scent of something delicious, sails back home to find his supper waiting, still warm. It’s a magical book that captivates every child I’ve read it to, especially when they enthusiastically join in roaring their terrible roars, gnashing their terrible teeth, rolling their terrible eyes, and showing their terrible claws.”
Red Fox, £8.99
‘The Seaside Sleepover’ by Jacqueline Wilson will be published by Puffin on 10 April at £12.99
