Jacqueline Wilson chinaware

For many girls of a certain age (think 'tweenie'), Tracy Beaker will be a very familiar character: created by writer Jacqueline Wilson and illustrator Nick Sharratt, she is a feisty heroine, battling against the odds of life in a children's home. Not only is she the star of three books, but also a very popular TV programme.

Now the Portmeirion factory has made an unlikely bid for your daughters' pocket money (or indeed, pester power) with a special Tracy Beaker line, perfect for " a sleepover treat". Hmm, I don't know about that, but I do know that Sharratt's cartoony style may appeal to both parents and kids.