2019
Dame Jacqueline Wilson – ‘Be Careful What You Wish For!’
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Dame Jacqueline Wilson is the acclaimed author of numerous much-loved books for children. She has sold more than 40 million copies in the UK alone, and many more internationally.
Her list of honours is long and glittering, ranging from two Smarties Prizes in 1995 and 2000, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award in 2000 for The Illustrated Mum, and a special BAFTA Award for its mini television series in 2003, an OBE for services to literacy in schools 2002, and the JM Barrie Award for ‘a lifetime of unforgettable writing for children’ in 2015 – to name but a few. Children’s Laureate from 2005 to 2007, Jacqueline Wilson found her way into the hearts and minds of her young readers because she combined in her fiction her own experience of growing up with her understanding of, and compassion for, young people, especially those with hard lives. She has never been afraid to delve into challenging terrain, fighting for the underdog, and addressing social issues that don’t have easy answers. |
It was the kind of bright, spring afternoon when anything seems possible, as excited children’s-literature enthusiasts filled the Homerton auditorium. Those lucky enough to attend the twelfth annual Philippa Pearce Lecture were treated to an engaging and illuminating talk by former Children’s Laureate, Jacqueline Wilson, entitled “Be Careful What You Wish For!”. Like her award-winning books, Jaqueline’s words were sharply perceptive, sweetly endearing and indicative of a writer who has not lost her ability to see the world through a child’s eyes. Read more ... |
