Miniature books made for Queen Mary's dolls' house
- Published
If a "mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood," might he end up in a dolls' house fit for a queen?
Quite possibly, as Julia Donaldson and Dame Jacqueline Wilson, authors of beloved children's books such as The Gruffalo, The Snail and the Whale and the Tracy Beaker series have been set a royal challenge.
The pair have been invited to create tiny replicas of their famous works to go on display in Queen Mary's dolls' house.
The dolls' house was finished in 1924 and was created for the wife of King George V.
It was presented to her as a gift from the nation after the First World War and remains the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world.
To celebrate it reaching 100 years old, the house's library collection is being expanded with 20 new books by famous authors and playwrights, as well as recipes and articles.
Julia Donaldson said it was quite tricky "making my handwriting as small as can be", but luckily she managed it.
Queen Camilla is hosting a party at Windsor Castle for some of those who contributed to the miniature library.
She said the books displayed the talents of 21st Century writers "whose work brings joy, comfort, laughter, companionship and hope to us all, opening our eyes to others' experiences and reminding us that we are not alone".
If you could choose, which books would you select for the royal dolls' house library?
Perhaps you identify with Tracy Beaker who "can't stand fairy tales" and once famously said: "If you're very good and very beautiful with long golden curls, then, after you've swept up a few cinders or had a long nap in a cobwebby palace, this prince comes along and you live happily ever after.
"Which is fine if you happen to be a goody-goody and look gorgeous. But if you're bad and ugly, then you've got no chance whatsoever."
Or maybe your fancy an adventure story, something about science, a nature story, or even a comic?
Let us know in the comments which books you would include?
- Published22 January
- Published29 January
- Published29 January