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The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson
Where do baby apes sleep? In apricots!I'm Elsa, and that's one of my jokes (I tell LOTS of jokes and I'm going to be a big star one day). I do my best to cheer my family up - but no one seems to laugh much any more. Not since we lost our lovely house and had to move into a bed and breakfast hotel . . .
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First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
397 books5,768 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
January 21, 2025
I read and then re-read this book several times as a child; I loved the character of Elsa and her fondness for cheesy jokes (although at that age, they aren't cheesy - just hilarious!)
As ever, Wilson writes of a difficult subject in this story, and unfortunately one that effects thousands and thousands of children every day. Homelessness is a very real issue, and as an adult it is intriguing to be able to look back at this story and see it through the eyes of a child. Staying in a bed and breakfast sounds amazingly fun when you're ten years old. As an adult, living in poverty? Not so much.
I can vividly recall so many supporting characters from this book and several scenes I remember with fondness. This book doesn't feature the traditional happy ending of many other children's authors, but that is perhaps what makes Wilsons writing exceptional.
As ever, Wilson writes of a difficult subject in this story, and unfortunately one that effects thousands and thousands of children every day. Homelessness is a very real issue, and as an adult it is intriguing to be able to look back at this story and see it through the eyes of a child. Staying in a bed and breakfast sounds amazingly fun when you're ten years old. As an adult, living in poverty? Not so much.
I can vividly recall so many supporting characters from this book and several scenes I remember with fondness. This book doesn't feature the traditional happy ending of many other children's authors, but that is perhaps what makes Wilsons writing exceptional.
June 10, 2024
This was an awesome book. You just have to read it, no matter what age you are. This lovely story has laughs, tears and amazingness all packed inside it! I would recommend this book to anyone, 1-100! You just gotta read it!!!
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August 13, 2018August's pick for our Jacqueline Wilson book club! I'll post a link to our discussion when it's uploaded.
August 29, 2014
I remember this book and The Suitcase Kid, were the first gritty Jacqueline Wilson books I read. What I have always admired about Jacqueline Wilson is the fact she never romanticised anything in her writing, and I've always been in awe of her amazing, unique ability of being able to empathise so well with children.
This book was harsh and realistic, but appropriate and entertaining for children. And to be frank, I think some modern children's writers could learn a real lesson from Wilson.
This book was harsh and realistic, but appropriate and entertaining for children. And to be frank, I think some modern children's writers could learn a real lesson from Wilson.
July 31, 2013
A book that I've read over and over again as a child, and now re-reading it as an adult! One of my all time favourite authors, whilst growing up, who has the gift of reaching out to millions of children! Jacqueline Wilson is able to conjure stories which every type of young person is able to relate to, either because of their families, love lives or social lives.
This book is about a young girl, who is incredibly mature for someone who has to deal with half the things she faces. An incredibly realistic yet fictitious character, who unfortunately calls out to thousands of young children, in terms of their home lives. The Bed and Breakfast Star gives an insight into a child’s thoughts and feelings, not just about what she goes through at home, but also what she faces at school; being a ‘bed and breakfast kid’.
Elsa, aged 10 is a young, witty character, who despite the difficult life she owns, always manages to keep a smile on her face. Never failing to lead a cheery life, Elsa is also forever trying to lighten the mood and atmosphere around her, by ‘cracking’ her jokes. However, her jokes are never appreciated in the way that she would prefer, and ends up causing more tension, often leading to physical abuse from her stepfather. Elsa uses her ambition of becoming a T.V star and a famous comedienne, as a means of escape from all the problems in her life.
Elsa lives with her depressed mum, abusive stepfather, and two younger siblings who she is very often left to babysit, as her parents lack the capability and are forever drowning in their miseries. The family is constantly moving, causing Elsa to change schools several times, consequently falling very behind, academically.
This book has allowed me to understand how some teachers make children like Elsa feel. Elsa states why she resorts to bunking off school, and how she is made to feel by her peers and most teachers at school. I've read how easily a young child can be demoralised, especially someone who has so much going on outside of school. I would place this book on the classroom bookshelf, allowing children to read it in class and at home. This book will allow the vast number of children who face similar issues, to realise that they’re not on their own, and although it’s a fictional book, Wilson does base it on realistic and familiar settings. I’d recommend this book for children aged 7-11, for independent reading.
This book is about a young girl, who is incredibly mature for someone who has to deal with half the things she faces. An incredibly realistic yet fictitious character, who unfortunately calls out to thousands of young children, in terms of their home lives. The Bed and Breakfast Star gives an insight into a child’s thoughts and feelings, not just about what she goes through at home, but also what she faces at school; being a ‘bed and breakfast kid’.
Elsa, aged 10 is a young, witty character, who despite the difficult life she owns, always manages to keep a smile on her face. Never failing to lead a cheery life, Elsa is also forever trying to lighten the mood and atmosphere around her, by ‘cracking’ her jokes. However, her jokes are never appreciated in the way that she would prefer, and ends up causing more tension, often leading to physical abuse from her stepfather. Elsa uses her ambition of becoming a T.V star and a famous comedienne, as a means of escape from all the problems in her life.
Elsa lives with her depressed mum, abusive stepfather, and two younger siblings who she is very often left to babysit, as her parents lack the capability and are forever drowning in their miseries. The family is constantly moving, causing Elsa to change schools several times, consequently falling very behind, academically.
This book has allowed me to understand how some teachers make children like Elsa feel. Elsa states why she resorts to bunking off school, and how she is made to feel by her peers and most teachers at school. I've read how easily a young child can be demoralised, especially someone who has so much going on outside of school. I would place this book on the classroom bookshelf, allowing children to read it in class and at home. This book will allow the vast number of children who face similar issues, to realise that they’re not on their own, and although it’s a fictional book, Wilson does base it on realistic and familiar settings. I’d recommend this book for children aged 7-11, for independent reading.
June 7, 2020
I’ve always been a big fan of Jacqueline Wilson’s work, and have had her books on my shelf since I was a child! I read them relentlessly when I was younger and one of the books I read over and over again was The Bed and Breakfast Star. I recently picked this up again and read it now in my adulthood and still retain the same fond memories of reading them as I did when I was little.
Looking back in it now as an adult, I realise how much of a groundbreaking writer she is, touching on subjects that can be hard to broach to younger audiences, such as poverty, family struggles and disputes, parents hitting their children, hopping from council house to council house, not knowing where you next meal will be coming from, struggles with school, young delinquents playing truant and underage smoking although I was glad to see Elsa didn’t succumb to such peer pressure. I didn’t realise this when I was reading with a younger brain but now can see it’s quite a harrowing story with an important message.
I remember I was always enamoured with Elsa’s character. Her fiery personality, her endless affinity for jokes and her constant attempts to cheer up those around her when she and her family are faced with difficult times. Glad I re-read this book as an adult who is still very much loyal to one of her favourite childhood authors :)
Looking back in it now as an adult, I realise how much of a groundbreaking writer she is, touching on subjects that can be hard to broach to younger audiences, such as poverty, family struggles and disputes, parents hitting their children, hopping from council house to council house, not knowing where you next meal will be coming from, struggles with school, young delinquents playing truant and underage smoking although I was glad to see Elsa didn’t succumb to such peer pressure. I didn’t realise this when I was reading with a younger brain but now can see it’s quite a harrowing story with an important message.
I remember I was always enamoured with Elsa’s character. Her fiery personality, her endless affinity for jokes and her constant attempts to cheer up those around her when she and her family are faced with difficult times. Glad I re-read this book as an adult who is still very much loyal to one of her favourite childhood authors :)
May 17, 2012
I’ve read this book before, I’m a little ashamed to say - lifted it furtively from my younger sisters bookcase (because they weren’t really books for boys).
The narrative in The Bed and Breakfast Star is driven in the first person by Elsa, with lots of I did’s and personal thoughts and feelings, this child’s eye narration feels like a very intimate and personal account of her life, nothing is left out for the readers sensitivities. Reading the book as an adult, Elsa’s accounts of her life are leant a very powerful pathos, and one cannot help but feel extremely troubled by her experiences - in particular the violence of step-father Mack, hostility from school-teachers, and neglect by social services. Wilson highlights this abuse beautifully and powerfully in child-like terms, my particular favorite being the use of Elsa’s nine different beds to describe her nomadic early years.
However, it is an interesting that I don’t remember being bothered by the young girls experiences when reading it as a child, Elsa’s life appeared just as a canvas for the character of Elsa and her narration; and it is in that way I think Wilson intended Elsa’s troubles to be thought of. The book is not a cry for change, it is in a sense a cry for children to find their own voice. Wilson doesn’t afford Elsa a happy ending, she gives her positivity and a rest-bite, but not a solution .
Through the illustrations in particular Wilson explores some of the mis-conceptions children may have about events, words, and language in an adult world. For instance in the representation of half-brothers and sisters, being literally a half brother. This appears as a device throughout the story to bond reader to character.
This book is suitable for readings in upper KS2, and may act as an interesting point of discussion, and introduction to writing in the first person.
The narrative in The Bed and Breakfast Star is driven in the first person by Elsa, with lots of I did’s and personal thoughts and feelings, this child’s eye narration feels like a very intimate and personal account of her life, nothing is left out for the readers sensitivities. Reading the book as an adult, Elsa’s accounts of her life are leant a very powerful pathos, and one cannot help but feel extremely troubled by her experiences - in particular the violence of step-father Mack, hostility from school-teachers, and neglect by social services. Wilson highlights this abuse beautifully and powerfully in child-like terms, my particular favorite being the use of Elsa’s nine different beds to describe her nomadic early years.
However, it is an interesting that I don’t remember being bothered by the young girls experiences when reading it as a child, Elsa’s life appeared just as a canvas for the character of Elsa and her narration; and it is in that way I think Wilson intended Elsa’s troubles to be thought of. The book is not a cry for change, it is in a sense a cry for children to find their own voice. Wilson doesn’t afford Elsa a happy ending, she gives her positivity and a rest-bite, but not a solution .
Through the illustrations in particular Wilson explores some of the mis-conceptions children may have about events, words, and language in an adult world. For instance in the representation of half-brothers and sisters, being literally a half brother. This appears as a device throughout the story to bond reader to character.
This book is suitable for readings in upper KS2, and may act as an interesting point of discussion, and introduction to writing in the first person.
August 25, 2019
We follow the story of Elsa who has lived in over 7 different places. Her family are poor, they can’t afford to live in a big house surrounded by lots of luxuries but instead are resorted to living in a ‘bed and breakfast hotel’. With mould growing on the walls, not being supplied a proper breakfast and living on the top floor with a lift that doesn’t work, Elsa tries to find happiness in the darkest of moments.
I read this book when I was a child and I found it hilarious (especially Elsa’s jokes). However, reading it again now as an adult I truly understand Jaqueline Wilson’s writing and understand the darker meaning behind the story.
Elsa’s step dad is abusive to only her. Her mum is severely depressed and doesn’t believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The council dump them into the smallest room, a room in which they can’t possibly breathe. There are scenes which involve the local kids writing ‘naughty words’ on the walls. I was completely oblivious to this when I was reading it as a child 😂
Jaqueline Wilson hits these truths beautifully. Elsa is one of the happiest kids I’ve had the joys of reading about. She teaches you that even in the darkest of moments, there is always something to look forward too and smile about.
Beautiful, heartwarming and precious read 💜
I read this book when I was a child and I found it hilarious (especially Elsa’s jokes). However, reading it again now as an adult I truly understand Jaqueline Wilson’s writing and understand the darker meaning behind the story.
Elsa’s step dad is abusive to only her. Her mum is severely depressed and doesn’t believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The council dump them into the smallest room, a room in which they can’t possibly breathe. There are scenes which involve the local kids writing ‘naughty words’ on the walls. I was completely oblivious to this when I was reading it as a child 😂
Jaqueline Wilson hits these truths beautifully. Elsa is one of the happiest kids I’ve had the joys of reading about. She teaches you that even in the darkest of moments, there is always something to look forward too and smile about.
Beautiful, heartwarming and precious read 💜
December 31, 2025
Jacqueline Wilson has a remarkable way of capturing the world through a child's eyes, and The Bed & Breakfast Star is no exception. The story follows Elsa, a young girl living with her mother in a series of bed and breakfasts after their home is lost. The novel is tender, funny and sometimes heartbreaking, as Elsa navigates the instability of her life while trying to hold onto her sense of normalcy.
What I loved most was Elsa's voice - honest, witty and resilient. Wilson doesn't shy away from difficult topics like homelessness and family struggles, but she balances them with humour and hope. The supporting characters, especially Elsa's friends and neighbours, are vivid and endearing, making the world feel both real and comforting.
While the plot is fairly straightforward, it's Wilson's warmth and insight into children's emotions that make the story shine. The book is a reminder of how courage, imagination and small acts of kindness can help us through tough times.
A touching, empathetic read that will resonate with both younger readers and adults alike, who appreciate a heartfelt story about resilience and growing up.
What I loved most was Elsa's voice - honest, witty and resilient. Wilson doesn't shy away from difficult topics like homelessness and family struggles, but she balances them with humour and hope. The supporting characters, especially Elsa's friends and neighbours, are vivid and endearing, making the world feel both real and comforting.
While the plot is fairly straightforward, it's Wilson's warmth and insight into children's emotions that make the story shine. The book is a reminder of how courage, imagination and small acts of kindness can help us through tough times.
A touching, empathetic read that will resonate with both younger readers and adults alike, who appreciate a heartfelt story about resilience and growing up.
September 28, 2015
Wilson is great at making realistic characters that you can quickly come to term with, giving realistic reactions to events.
Her books are great at getting children to really think about actions and their consequences, really opening the eyes of children to the world. Some of her books are sensitive reads yet they are all great at sending life messages to children.
I feel as though Wilson books are a must in the lives of young children, a way of opening their eyes to the real world in the right way.
Her books are great at getting children to really think about actions and their consequences, really opening the eyes of children to the world. Some of her books are sensitive reads yet they are all great at sending life messages to children.
I feel as though Wilson books are a must in the lives of young children, a way of opening their eyes to the real world in the right way.
January 16, 2026
It was quite nice because as soon as Elsa got to the bed and breakfast hotel she met a friend.
July 10, 2024
فکر میکنم حدود کلاس سوم بودم، از قفسهی نمایشی طبقهی منفی سهٔ مدرسه برداشتمش و با خودم بردم که توی مسیر پرترافیک یک ساعت و نیمه تا خانه بخوانم. البته کتابهای این قفسه فروشی بودند، اما کسی زیاد حواسش نبود و چندتایی دیگر از این ها ه�� در دست و بالم هست. همان سال باید حدود پنج یا شش بار خوانده باشمش. چند بار دیگر هم بعداً. امروز دوباره پیدایش کردم و ورق زدم. شخصیت اصلی اهل انگلستان است، نهایت فقرش زندگی در یک هتل «خواب و صبحانه» است. (ترجمهی دقیق bed and breakfast که در خوانش اخیر متوجه آن شدم. در همین خوانش اخیر به چند مورد دیگر از این ترجمههای خلاقانه برخوردم، مثلا جایی که ناپدری، مک، میگوید: «مک گندهبک میگه بریم ساندویچهای گندهبک بخوریم.» که برگردانیِ خوب big mac را الان که بزرگتر شدهام میفهمم.)
شخصیت اصلی یک خواهر و یک برادر دارد و یک ناپدری. از هیچ جهت شبیه من نیست، اما منِ هشت یا نه ساله چنان خودم را در او و تنهایی و فقری که نمیفهمیدش مییافتم که این تفاوتها چندان مطرح نبود.
کتاب «دوست تا همیشه» هم چنین حالتی برایم داشت. اگر پیدایش کنم در مورد آن هم مینویسم.
شخصیت اصلی یک خواهر و یک برادر دارد و یک ناپدری. از هیچ جهت شبیه من نیست، اما منِ هشت یا نه ساله چنان خودم را در او و تنهایی و فقری که نمیفهمیدش مییافتم که این تفاوتها چندان مطرح نبود.
کتاب «دوست تا همیشه» هم چنین حالتی برایم داشت. اگر پیدایش کنم در مورد آن هم مینویسم.
February 16, 2025
Jacqueline Wilson never misses!
Reading her books to my daughter has been a pleasure, Bed and Breakfast was a fun read with the usual undertones you expect from a Wislon novel.
She will go down as one of the best children's writers ever in my opinion.
Reading her books to my daughter has been a pleasure, Bed and Breakfast was a fun read with the usual undertones you expect from a Wislon novel.
She will go down as one of the best children's writers ever in my opinion.
September 2, 2015
'The Bed and Breakfast Star' is not a typical child's book that focuses on bunnies and other imaginative adventures that you'd find in a typical child's book.
If anything, Jacqueline WIlson tells a story of a girl called Elsa, whose life is spent relocating in different parts of the country due to her mum's boyfriend losing and finding jobs. She keeps herself occupied by telling herself and others, whoever gives her the time of day, some inventive jokes. However, she's constantly shut own and told to stop being herself.
It's not until a fire happens at the bed & breakfast she's forced to stay in with her family that she's recognised and her presence is acknowledged - even by Mack, her mum's partner who has shown just how much happier he would be if she didn't exist.
When she's forced to give an interview on how she helped save lives with a remarkably loud voice, she realises that jokes don't always need to be told in order for people to find you funny and you should always be yourself.
In this book, Wilson not only highlights the different socio-economic issues that some children unfortunately face, such as temporary accommodation, a lack of love and affection at home and a need to belong, but that circumstances do not have to define who you are as an individual. Regardless of her circumstances, Elsa was very positive and energetic, relentless to get her jokes heard and fulfil her dreams of a comedienne and an entertainer.
This book, I feel, would be better suited for 'higher ability' children who are able to recognise themes and understand dry humour as I feel they would be a lot engaged with the storyline.
If anything, Jacqueline WIlson tells a story of a girl called Elsa, whose life is spent relocating in different parts of the country due to her mum's boyfriend losing and finding jobs. She keeps herself occupied by telling herself and others, whoever gives her the time of day, some inventive jokes. However, she's constantly shut own and told to stop being herself.
It's not until a fire happens at the bed & breakfast she's forced to stay in with her family that she's recognised and her presence is acknowledged - even by Mack, her mum's partner who has shown just how much happier he would be if she didn't exist.
When she's forced to give an interview on how she helped save lives with a remarkably loud voice, she realises that jokes don't always need to be told in order for people to find you funny and you should always be yourself.
In this book, Wilson not only highlights the different socio-economic issues that some children unfortunately face, such as temporary accommodation, a lack of love and affection at home and a need to belong, but that circumstances do not have to define who you are as an individual. Regardless of her circumstances, Elsa was very positive and energetic, relentless to get her jokes heard and fulfil her dreams of a comedienne and an entertainer.
This book, I feel, would be better suited for 'higher ability' children who are able to recognise themes and understand dry humour as I feel they would be a lot engaged with the storyline.
June 1, 2016
I always adore Jac Wilson's book. I love almost all of her books, but surprisingly, this book isn't one of them.
Why I don't like this book?
The characters aren't likeable. Elsa is too irritating (to me) with all the jokes. She only think about herself and her ambission to be a famous comedian. Actually I kind of amuse by her toughness since she never cried whenever her stepfather hit her. I also like her way taking care of her brother and sister when her parents are too weak to even get up from bed. But, she is annoying to me.
And then her mother is even no good. I believe that she was facing a really hardtimes, that she endlessly move from one house to another, ups and downs, her husband can't find a permanent job, and finally they have to stay in a really lame bed and breakfast hotel with a really small room, dirty toilets, nasty kitchen, and a television room but the telly is broken. BUT, a mother will not let her children suffer from the condition too. She has to keep her family sane and their life keep going. Instead, she refuse to talk to anyone, she won't get up from bed, and she soaks her pillow with her tears for days. She grumble when she knew the condition of the public kitchen and refuse to cook (and bring her family to McDonald---eventhough she know the money condition). And guess who was the one keep the family normal? Yep, Elsa. I can't believe it. I know that was her down time, and maybe thats just too much to her to handle. And maybe she is actually a good mother in the good times. But, still.
And the stepfather. A father (stepfather) who hit her child? Big NO.
Why I don't like this book?
The characters aren't likeable. Elsa is too irritating (to me) with all the jokes. She only think about herself and her ambission to be a famous comedian. Actually I kind of amuse by her toughness since she never cried whenever her stepfather hit her. I also like her way taking care of her brother and sister when her parents are too weak to even get up from bed. But, she is annoying to me.
And then her mother is even no good. I believe that she was facing a really hardtimes, that she endlessly move from one house to another, ups and downs, her husband can't find a permanent job, and finally they have to stay in a really lame bed and breakfast hotel with a really small room, dirty toilets, nasty kitchen, and a television room but the telly is broken. BUT, a mother will not let her children suffer from the condition too. She has to keep her family sane and their life keep going. Instead, she refuse to talk to anyone, she won't get up from bed, and she soaks her pillow with her tears for days. She grumble when she knew the condition of the public kitchen and refuse to cook (and bring her family to McDonald---eventhough she know the money condition). And guess who was the one keep the family normal? Yep, Elsa. I can't believe it. I know that was her down time, and maybe thats just too much to her to handle. And maybe she is actually a good mother in the good times. But, still.
And the stepfather. A father (stepfather) who hit her child? Big NO.
July 14, 2012
An excellent childhood read and one I will always remember. Through Jacqueline's creation of the vibrant Elsa and her family, a story of hope is told although at many times there is little to be found for the young 10 year old, her step brother Hank and her step sister Pippa. When Elsa's mother marries Mack (or "smack the Mack" as Elsa calls him due to his abusive tendencies) things go down hill fast when he loses his job. They are forced to live in a grubby run down Bed and Breakfast for which Elsa is called "The Bed and Breakfast Kid". Her dream is to become a comedian one day, and through all the tough times Elsa never loses hope. She is humorous and manages to turn every downside into a bright funny story which I think is an extremely important and excellent trait for children to have in life. With many families going through turbulent times in life and having to move around alot, Elsa has an excellent attitude to get through it, which I believe children nowadays could learn and benefit from. When a fire starts in the kitchen of the grubby run down bed and breakfast, Elsa manages to wake everyone up and they all exit safely.Things turn out very well for her and her family in the end when they are moved into an upper class hotel, each have there own bed, and they are very well looked after. This is an excellent story of stamina and hope for a young child, showing that things have a way of working themselves out in the end.
I would see this book fit to be read by 10-13 year olds.
I would see this book fit to be read by 10-13 year olds.
September 2, 2015
The Bed and Breakfast Star follows the life of a young girl called Elsa and her family. The story is based upon the misfortune of Elsa and her family having to move from home to home throughout the duration of her childhood. Elsa’s father left her when she was young and her Mum met a new partner and went on to have two children, Pippa and Hank. Whilst Elsa adapts to having new siblings she finds developing a relationship with her stepdad (Mack) challenging nicknaming him ‘Mack the Smack’.
The story develops to show of Elsa’s unique love of comedy and the illustrations throughout the book perfectly match the story and really allow a young readers imagination to come to life. Jacqueline Wilson captures the unique personality that children can possess and how this can cause them difficulties in growing up when dealing with adults and children alike, she offers solutions to this and Elsa ends up a true heroine within the book due to her unique personality. Not only does the story deal with the upset of having to move, but it touches upon a broken family unit and how this can often be challenging for a child to deal with.
I found this book extremely enjoyable the lead character Elsa has a fantastic personality that is brought to life throughout the story and it really touches upon real issues that some children may face when growing up in a difficult family unit. This book is perfectly suited for independent reading for a strong reader in Key Stage Two.
The story develops to show of Elsa’s unique love of comedy and the illustrations throughout the book perfectly match the story and really allow a young readers imagination to come to life. Jacqueline Wilson captures the unique personality that children can possess and how this can cause them difficulties in growing up when dealing with adults and children alike, she offers solutions to this and Elsa ends up a true heroine within the book due to her unique personality. Not only does the story deal with the upset of having to move, but it touches upon a broken family unit and how this can often be challenging for a child to deal with.
I found this book extremely enjoyable the lead character Elsa has a fantastic personality that is brought to life throughout the story and it really touches upon real issues that some children may face when growing up in a difficult family unit. This book is perfectly suited for independent reading for a strong reader in Key Stage Two.
August 26, 2019
This book is another fantastic creation from Jacqueline Wilson. It has a great storyline with a great plot. The story is so simple yet so brilliant and this book will and has attracted many people.
The Bed and Breakfast star is about a young girl named Elsa and her family. Her life was quite normal until her mother married Mack. Mack kept failing to keep his jobs to the point where Elsa and her family had to move to live with Mack's mother (which Elsa's mother did not like at all) so they moved to a bed and breakfast hotel as they didn't have enough money to keep the house.
The bed and breakfast hotel is not what they expected and Elsa's mother was not satisfied at all. Elsa had always wanted to become a comedian and she has never stopped trying. Her family try to live their life and cope with what they have. A big change happens and things are taking a turn.
I would 100 percent recommend this book. It has a great message and moral and tells you to never stop trying to achieve your dreams and never lose faith in yourself or dreams! If you are looking for a light hearted beautiful book to read with great morals, I would recommend this one! This book is suitable for all ages but aimed more towards the younger generation.
Solid 4/5!!!
The Bed and Breakfast star is about a young girl named Elsa and her family. Her life was quite normal until her mother married Mack. Mack kept failing to keep his jobs to the point where Elsa and her family had to move to live with Mack's mother (which Elsa's mother did not like at all) so they moved to a bed and breakfast hotel as they didn't have enough money to keep the house.
The bed and breakfast hotel is not what they expected and Elsa's mother was not satisfied at all. Elsa had always wanted to become a comedian and she has never stopped trying. Her family try to live their life and cope with what they have. A big change happens and things are taking a turn.
I would 100 percent recommend this book. It has a great message and moral and tells you to never stop trying to achieve your dreams and never lose faith in yourself or dreams! If you are looking for a light hearted beautiful book to read with great morals, I would recommend this one! This book is suitable for all ages but aimed more towards the younger generation.
Solid 4/5!!!
August 27, 2016
Dame Jacqueline Wilson (a very deserved title!) is, in my opinion, the best contemporary children's writer. She writes perfectly, in content, theme, style and accessibility for children from aged 6 to 13 (ish - of course this varies among children). She writes flawlessly for children, I could not find a single fault.
She is never patronizing and introduces young people to important life issues such as love, poverty, friendship, adolescence, separated parents, illnesses and so much more, in a manner that is accessible and completely appropriate for young people.
Children challenge themselves with their reading skills as the lexis and syntax are by no means 'easy' but are happy to do so as the plots and characters are so engaging.
A fantastic writer, whom I am sure instilled my love of reading and fiction from a young age.
She is never patronizing and introduces young people to important life issues such as love, poverty, friendship, adolescence, separated parents, illnesses and so much more, in a manner that is accessible and completely appropriate for young people.
Children challenge themselves with their reading skills as the lexis and syntax are by no means 'easy' but are happy to do so as the plots and characters are so engaging.
A fantastic writer, whom I am sure instilled my love of reading and fiction from a young age.
April 1, 2017
I thought it was really good
January 26, 2019
Another classic Wilson, presenting a young girl with a combination of issues in her life, trying to get on, and to get on with her family in trying times.
September 15, 2021
While this could be considered a classic, I can’t help but find the main character Elsa quite annoying.
The constant jokes just drive me mad. I’m all one for a bit of a laugh but she’s even cracking jokes when the hotel they are living in is on fire. I can’t help but think even a child around 10 should know that’s not a time to be making jokes.
Ok rant over.
On the more positive side of things, this could be considered quite a hard-hitting book by some - the themes of homelessness and child-abuse are rife in this novel and Jacqueline Wilson has written it very well which is why I’ve given this book 4 stars.
The constant jokes just drive me mad. I’m all one for a bit of a laugh but she’s even cracking jokes when the hotel they are living in is on fire. I can’t help but think even a child around 10 should know that’s not a time to be making jokes.
Ok rant over.
On the more positive side of things, this could be considered quite a hard-hitting book by some - the themes of homelessness and child-abuse are rife in this novel and Jacqueline Wilson has written it very well which is why I’ve given this book 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
This was my first Jacqueline Wilson book at the grand old age of 36. Perhaps as an adult I am not the best judge of this book as it's obviously not aimed at me, but if I didn't give my opinion of the book it would make a mockery of this whole platform, so here I go...
The endless stream of crap jokes felt like they were just there to pad out this book. I found the jokes more annoying than anything, but then I don't like jokes, so...
I liked the smatterings of social commentary on poverty in the UK and the consequences of a lack of social housing. Also the blended family dynamics and how Elsa is well aware that Mack doesn't treat her the same as her half brother and sister. I feel like even for a children's book it could have focused more on Elsa's personal experience of her situation rather than having so many crappy jokes. I really didn't enjoy the jokes.
The endless stream of crap jokes felt like they were just there to pad out this book. I found the jokes more annoying than anything, but then I don't like jokes, so...
I liked the smatterings of social commentary on poverty in the UK and the consequences of a lack of social housing. Also the blended family dynamics and how Elsa is well aware that Mack doesn't treat her the same as her half brother and sister. I feel like even for a children's book it could have focused more on Elsa's personal experience of her situation rather than having so many crappy jokes. I really didn't enjoy the jokes.
March 26, 2020
Not my favourite of Jacqueline Wilson’s books (found Elsa a bit annoying with all her jokes) but still entertaining nonetheless. I always enjoy how she describes food 😂
July 1, 2020
Love it, though Elsa can be a bit of a pain, but that's rare. She's a rebel and I idolize her. Though, the ending is the problem. Its way to perfect.
August 30, 2023
Heel speciaal, zielig maar leuk verhaal
February 10, 2024
Very good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
Oh the nostalgia is so real. I read this book every year on holiday for like 7 years as a kid!!
November 1, 2024
Jacqueline Wilson raised me
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