Speaking at an ‘audience with’ event with 1,200 key stage two children from across Hull, Dame Jacqueline Wilson introduced her latest title, The Seaside Sleepover.
She was joined by Rachael Dean, illustrator of Jacqueline’s four latest novels who conducted a draw-along with a packed audience at Hull New Theatre.
Hull children’s book award winner Helen Rutter conducted Q & A sessions with Jacqueline and Rachael, with questions submitted by the children.
Jacqueline spoke of her love of York and Betty's Tea Rooms.
She was joined by Rachael Dean, illustrator of Jacqueline’s four latest novels who conducted a draw-along with a packed audience at Hull New Theatre.
Hull children’s book award winner Helen Rutter conducted Q & A sessions with Jacqueline and Rachael, with questions submitted by the children.
Jacqueline spoke of her love of York and Betty's Tea Rooms.
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NewsTranscript
00:00I think children, there's sometimes a little bit of difference, but what is interesting, mostly, they laugh at exactly the same things, they get a bit intense at the same moment, they lean forward if you're talking about something that really touches them.
00:22And I've been doing this a long, long time. And kids of 30 years ago, even though outside lots of changes and most kids are desperate to have their own mobile phone and all the rest of it, their inner selves haven't changed a bit.
00:37I am learning. And I have to try and keep up with modern technology, which is the biggest challenge of my career. But it's, it's enjoyable. I think you've always got something new to learn or how to produce something or think of some sort of subject that might interest another child. I mean, you've got to be on your toes all the time.
01:03With kids, they will talk to each other, pick their noses, get up and go to the loo. But if you've got them there, and if they quieten down and listen, that's the magic moment. You feel like Father Christmas.
01:17Do you think they actually did listen to you this morning?
01:19I think they did. And sometimes, you know, you get, they'll write a letter, they might have a teacher that thinks, right, let's use this experience. And so they'll write a letter. And again, they'll tell you exactly what they really think about you.
01:35And some of these letters are very funny. And I do cherish each and every one. Sometimes I have met a child or two, I don't know anything really about them. I don't even know their name. There's something about them that sort of sticks in my mind.
01:51And I wonder, why was that child not wearing uniform like the others? Or why did that child keep looking around anxiously? I mean, there's just some little thing, I don't know. And it's none of my business. But I can make up a child that has those sorts of characteristics. And then I'm off thinking about what it can be.
02:12And have you been to Yorkshire before?
02:14I've been to Yorkshire lots of times. And I particularly love York for the history of it and the betterest tea rooms.