Amazon Review
Jacqueline Wilson is in fine form in this funny and moving story of a little girl who copes with her none-too-glamourous life by telling endless jokes and fantasising about being a comedian. As things go from bad to worse and Elsa and her family find themselves homeless, they have to move into the very un-royal Royal Hotel. But when disaster strikes at the hotel, Elsa gets her chance to be a real star.
Jacqueline Wilson lets the reader eavesdrop on Elsa¹s life, encouraging an intelligent understanding of her situation but never once suggesting that there might be a magic solution. Instead of letting pity in on the act, Wilson treats us to a realistic and sobering, yet at the same time smart and entertaining, story of a child doing the best she can in an unforgiving world where things are never really as they should be. --Susan Harrison
Review
"Funny and very moving" (Josie Lawrence Daily Express 20051014)
"An unsentimental and truthful book that is even better for a strong sense of mischief" (Independent on Sunday )
"The chatty style draws young readers straight into the story, and the constant stream of corny jokes masks, but does not conceal, the deeper issues" (Daily Telegraph )
"This is an hilarious and at the same time exceptionally emotional story" (Scribbler 20040611)
"An unsentimental and truthful book that is even better for a strong sense of mischief" (Independent on Sunday )
"The chatty style draws young readers straight into the story, and the constant stream of corny jokes masks, but does not conceal, the deeper issues" (Daily Telegraph )
"This is an hilarious and at the same time exceptionally emotional story" (Scribbler 20040611)
