Our Guest Editor this month needs little introduction. Dame Jacqueline Wilson has been writing stories since she was a little girl with her first short story published when she was just 17. Her writing career has been prolific and extraordinarily successful, writing over 100 books including the iconic series' Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather, and numerous novels that explore social issues and family life. Jacqueline was appointed the Children's Laureate in 2005 and used the platform to champion the importance of reading aloud to children long after they can read independently. She has won a raft of awards including the Guardian's Children's Fiction Prize, the Blue Peter People's Choice Award, the Special Award at the BAFTA Children's Award and was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012.

We are delighted to welcome this much-loved children's author as our Guest Editor for May.

Hello Everyone

I’m so happy to be a Guest Editor this month. I don’t think anyone could love reading more than me!

I loved books even before I could read. I had hardly any picture books, and my mum and dad weren’t the sort of parents who read to me every day. I didn’t mind. I’d sit in a corner by myself with my nursery rhyme collection, a big-format story about a white rabbit with wings and a tiny book about toy animals who lived on a shelf. I’d mutter as I carefully turned the pages. I made up new stories for myself to go with the illustrations. I think that was how I turned into a writer.

When I could read fluently, I was given a paperback for the summer holidays and a beautiful hardback for Christmas, but most of the time I simply went to the library and worked my way around the shelves in the Children’s Room, from Louisa M. Alcott to Laura Ingalls Wilder. It always gives me big kick if I see a shelf full of Jacqueline Wilson titles nowadays.

I love writing modern realistic stories about children, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. I also love writing books set in the past, particularly Victorian times. My new book The Other Edie Trimmer is a time-slip novel. It’s been a joy to write!

- What prompted you to write The Other Edie Trimmer, a time slip novel, that was set in both modern times and during the Victorian times?   

I wanted to attempt a different sort of story. If children pretend to be Victorians they usually act as if they’re rich and leading very grand lives. I wanted to show what it was really like to be a destitute child in the middle of the nineteenth century. I also wanted my Edie to meet up with Charles Dickens because I admire him so. Everything he says to Edie is well documented in his life and letters – I was determined to make him as authentic as possible.

- Thinking about some of your first novels that explore social issues and family life, do you think much has changed for young people in the interim?

I think people understand more about troubled children and try a little harder to treat them appropriately – but we’ve still got a long way to go.

- You have met and signed many thousands of books for young fans – has one of them ever inspired a character?

I prefer to make my characters up – but there might be just one aspect of a child that I’ll ‘borrow’. I met a little girl once who had very cool rainbow glasses – and so I gave Mandy in Bad Girls similar specs and developed a whole rainbow theme in the story.

- And what is the most memorable exchange you’ve experienced at one of your events? Perhaps a nugget of wisdom from a young reader, or something that tickled you?

I remember very fondly a lovely child long ago who asked me a particularly pertinent question when I’d been giving a talk about The Suitcase Kid. She asked very politely if my own marriage had broken up, like Andy’s parents in the book. In actual fact my marriage had recently ended, and I said so. ‘Well never mind, Jacqueline,’ she said comfortingly. ‘It will give you far more time to concentrate on your writing.’

- Is there one single writing ‘rule’ or process you always follow above all else?

I try not to reread anything whilst still writing the first draft – otherwise I lose heart and panic and think it’s no good! But if I can get to the end, then psychologically I’m ready to make all the changes that will hopefully sort everything out.

- If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to them?

I’ve already reconstructed Dickens and Emmeline Pankhurst in my stories. I’d certainly love to meet Dickens in real life. I’d also like to meet Charlotte Bronte – but not Emily, as I think she’d be too fierce and very reticent.

- What was your favourite book or series that got you through your teenage years?

I read I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith many times. It’s a glorious book that never fails to make me smile, and it’s definitely a comfort book to read when I have flu.

- What are you currently reading and what is in your to-read pile?

I’m reading a selection of Katherine Mansfield’s short stories (any child of ten or so could read and enjoy her story The Doll’s House). I plan to reread David Copperfield by Charles Dickens next, which will keep me going for a while.

As our Guest Editor, Jacqueline has given us her top five children's book recommendations - and told us why they are must-reads!

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. It was my favourite childhood book. I loved this story about three adopted sisters who went to stage school. I must have read it at least ten times.

The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell. I think all her books are wonderful, but this story about dark and stormy Russian Feodora is especially exciting – and the wolves are amazing.

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle. This story about a fierce lonely boy and his bond with a huge gorilla called Adonis is exceptionally moving.

Tyger by S.F. Said.  He’s written about cats in his Varjak Paw stories. This is a novel in an alternative world about two children and a huge mythical Tyger – it’s brilliant.

Aarti & The Blue Gods by Jasbinder Bilan. A magical story about an orphaned girl called Aarti who slowly finds out who she really is.

Jacqueline Wilson's new novel, The Other Edie Trimmer, is out now in hardback and you can read our reviews and download the first chapter here.  Sophie Harper, one of our Kids Reader Reviewers, said it was "The best Jacqueline Wilson book ever!"

With huge thanks to Dame Jacqueline Wilson - you can find a selection of her published books below.