Wish child Isla interviews Jacqueline Wilson for CBBC Newsround

Budding young writer, Isla, 9, had her Rays of Sunshine wish granted to meet world-famous author Jacqueline Wilson and made her television debut with the wish featuring on CBBC Newsround.

Rays of Sunshine granted Isla’s wish with a day fit for a best-selling author-in training. She met with Jacqueline at London’s Fortnum & Mason, and the two had afternoon tea together in a private tearoom with an exclusive Q&A session.

Isla’s family was first put in touch with Rays of Sunshine whilst undergoing her treatment for a brain tumour.

Whether in hospital, at school or at home, Isla is always thinking up new stories. When Rays of Sunshine asked her what her wish was, meeting Jacqueline Wilson was at the top of her list.

CBBC Newsround were also present with Isla taking the mike as presenter for the day with the chance to ask Jacqueline plenty of questions about how she can follow in her footsteps.

Isla’s questions of the author include which of her books has been her favourite to write, and how she comes up with her many ideas.

The two also went through one of the nine-year-olds work-in-progress stories and Jacqueline even offered her expertise in how Isla might be able to write the ending of her book.

Following this, Isla was invited to Waterstones Piccadilly by none other than illustrator Ali Pye for a private illustration lesson.

Isla came away from her wish with plenty of new ideas, and a renewed passion for continuing on her writing. And of course, her incisive Newsround interview with Jacqueline means other budding authors will be able to take advice from their meeting too!

On her wish, Isla says: “Thank you Jessica and everyone involved in making my wish come true. It was an incredible day and I still can’t believe I got to meet Jacqueline Wilson and Ali Pye and be on Newsround! They have inspired me to keep writing and drawing and one day I hope to publish my own book.”

Dan Assor, Acting CEO at Rays of Sunshine, says: “We’re delighted to hear that Isla had an amazing time on her wish meeting Jacqueline Wilson and being a presenter for the day on Newsround.

“Huge thank you to Jacqueline Wilson, CBBC Newsround, Fortnum & Mason, Ali Pye and Waterstones for making this magical wish happen and creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.”

Watch Isla’s interview here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/av/67408540