Queenie

by Jacqueline Wilson

It’s 1953, and Elsie Kettle is bursting with excitement for the Queen’s Coronation. She lives with her beloved Nan, while her showgirl mum is rarely home. Elsie dreams of having a best friend—and maybe even a cat for company—but life changes suddenly when both she and Nan fall seriously ill.

Whisked away to a children’s hospital with tuberculosis, Elsie struggles with the strict rules and long days in bed. But with her imagination and spark, she brings laughter to the ward and finds true friendship for the first time—especially in Queenie, the hospital’s elegant white cat.

As Elsie begins to recover, a very special surprise awaits her—one that could change her life forever.

Themes

If you see then click to see more information for a theme. Please take care as context may contain descriptions of a sensitive nature and/or spoilers.

  • Queen’s Coronation
  • Smoking
  • Tuberculosis
  • Teasing
  • Grandparents
  • Hospital
  • Smacking
  • Name-calling
  • Single Parent
  • Reference To Death Of Child
  • Nicknames
  • Cats
  • Friendship
  • Neglect
  • Children’s Home
  • Family