Best-seller at east London museum she loved as child

Best-selling children’s novelist Jacqueline Wilson was greeted by hundreds of excited fans at the Bethnal Green’s Museum of Childhood on Saturday when she opened an exhibition based on her life.

An avid supporter of the museum, in Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, Jacqueline said: “I used to come to the museum when I was young and I had many happy times bringing my daughter here. We particularly love the dolls’ houses.”

She signed copies of Daydreams and Diaries, a companion book to the exhibition, at the event.

Children could also take part in activities including a workshop with Nick Sharratt, famous for his distinctive illustrations in Jacqueline’s books.

The exhibition showcases a reconstruction of the author’s childhood bedroom, pages from her teenage diary and extracts from her most loved books like The Story of Tracy Beaker.

Jacqueline recalled how some of her most vivid memories of the old room involved imaginary games.

“I was an only child and although I did have friends and went out to play I did like playing by myself,” she said.

“I think this was excellent training for anybody who wants to be a professional writer. You get so used to inventing things that it almost becomes a second nature.”

Famous for exploring difficult topics like divorce and bereavement in an accessible way, the novelist mentioned the importance of children reading and how books were timeless.

She said: “Reading a book you are entering a whole different world.”

The exhibition runs until November 2 and admission is free.

Visit museumofchildhood.org.uk for more information.