Dressing up for World Book Day
Scott marked World Book Day by dressing as Tracy Beaker. Ellie initially appeared in an inflatable dinosaur costume, although she had to remove the head when the viewing panel steamed up and the outfit became too hot.
Listeners sent photographs of children’s costumes and messages about the books that had mattered to them. Scott’s own outfit was treated as both tribute and an excuse to revisit one of Jacqueline Wilson’s most famous characters.
Jacqueline Wilson
Dame Jacqueline Wilson joined Scott to discuss the continuing reach of books including The Story of Tracy Beaker, Double Act, The Illustrated Mum and Girls in Love.
She spoke about creating children who faced difficult family circumstances without losing humour, imagination or agency. Scott noted that many readers had encountered serious subjects for the first time through her stories.
Listeners described struggling with reading until they found Jacqueline’s books. One message said her work had completely transformed the sender’s relationship with books at around the age of eight.
Jacqueline discussed Tracy Beaker’s development from book character to television figure and the way readers continued to identify with her anger, confidence and vulnerability.
The conversation also covered writing for contemporary children, changes in publishing and the responsibility of taking young readers seriously rather than avoiding subjects adults found uncomfortable.
Regular features
The Easiest Quiz, Good Morning Minute and Birthday Game continued. The source transcript is strongest around World Book Day and Jacqueline Wilson’s interview, so uncertain contestant details and songs have not been added.
6 March 2025: Vernon Kay
The handover returned to the World Book Day costumes and listener reaction to Jacqueline Wilson, before looking ahead to Friday’s UK Eurovision reveal.
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