Best-selling writer Jacqueline Wilson has described lots of different childhoods in her many children's books, but what was her own like? We're about to find out...

S booklovers prepare to celebrate World Book Day on March 1, there's an extra special reason for Jacqueline Wilson fans to rejoice. The bestselling children's author will be marking the occasion with the publication of her most fascinating story yet: the story of her own childhood, Jacky Daydream.

For the past three years, Children's Laureate Jacqueline Wilson has been the most borrowed author from UK public libraries.

On average, 100, 000 copies of her books are sold every month through UK bookshops and the huge attendances at her book signing events have earned her a place in the record books.

"Jacqueline Wilson may be a children's author but her books never patronise, and many credit her phenomenal success with her willingness to tackle head on, the challenges and the messiness of contemporary family life," says Debbie Williams, Waterstone's children's books buyer.

Populated with memorable characters and told with her trademark warmth and wit, Jacqueline Wilson's stories have proved an engaging and compelling slice of life for today's schoolchildren.

But what was her own childhood like, and how did the young girl from Kingston become one of the most successful children's authors of all time?

Everybody knows Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson's best-loved character.

But what do they know about Jacqueline herself? In this fascinating book, discover how Jacky played with paper dolls like April in Dustbin Baby; how she dealt with an unpredictable father like Prue in Love Lessons; how she sat entrance exams like Ruby in Double Act.

Most of all Jacky loved reading and writing stories. Losing herself in a new world was the best possible way she could think of spending her time.

From the very first story she wrote, Meet the Maggots, it was clear that she had a very vivid imagination.

Jacqueline Wilson takes a look back at her own childhood in this captivating story of friendships, loneliness, books, toys, parents and much more. Here she answers some questions about her childhood.

Why did you decide to write your autobiography Jacky Daydream?

JW: I get hundreds of letters each week and nearly all the children ask me about my family and wonder if I've got any pets and ask how I started writing. I decided it would be fun to write about myself as a child, answering all these questions.

What is your first memory?

JW: I can remember sitting up in my pram - doubtless daydreaming.

To what extent is your fiction based on your own childhood experiences?

JW: It's not! If it was, I'd have had a very tragic childhood.

Will your fans recognise any characters and situations from your books in Jacky Daydream?

JW: Some situations might be familiar.

There's a little quiz question at the end of each chapter testing their powers of recognition.

Jacky Daydream is written for children and I believe you asked your readers what they'd like you to include. What kind of things did your fans want to know about your childhood?

JW: Many children wanted to know if I was bullied at school - and if I had a best friend and a boyfriend.

How did you get started as a writer?

JW: I've been writing stories since I was six. I had my first short story published in Jackie magazine when I was 17.

You've written a huge amount of books. What do you love about writing and do you still enjoy it?

JW: I love the feeling of being in my own imaginary world. I still get a thrill when I find the right phrase to express something.

Of all of the books you've written, which is your own favourite and why?

JW: I like The Illustrated Mum best, even though its so sad. I'm also fond of a certain Miss T Beaker What or who has been the biggest influence in your life?

JW: I don't think I am influenced by anyone.

What's the best thing about being Children's Laureate?

JW: I've loved every moment. It was particularly exciting going to the Party at the Palace and seeing the thousands of children all dressed up in their party gear to meet the Queen. I wore my party gear too.

What are you reading at the moment?

JW: A long out-of-print adult Noel Streatfield novel, then I'll be re-reading Sarah Waters' The Night Watch for my book group, and then I'll start Hermione Lee's biography of Edith Wharton.

* Jacky Daydream by Jacqueline Wilson (Doubleday, £12.99)