It's that time of the year again. Parents are running around buying uniforms, sewing on blazer badges, ensuring school shoes fit and that school bags are still trendy enough for their little darlings to carry, and buying stationery. Covering books is delegated to the stationers down the road and children plan who they will meet during break when they go back to school.

I catch up with Federica Falzon, who needs no introduction after winning our hearts, those of her Italian audience on the Ti Lascio Un Canzone contest on Italian Television. When I say I caught up with Federica, I mean it. She is incredibly busy, and with summer holidays and returning to school thrown into the equation, it was a while before she and I could meet up so I could find out who this child star really is.

Federica is only eleven years old. She is what is now known as a tween, and a delightful one at that. She is bubbly, well mannered and bright. She is also the young girl who has an incredibly powerful opera-style voice. I remember sitting down to watch "the Maltese girl" who was going to be singing next during Ti Lascio Un Canzone and feeling my eyebrows shoot up to my hairline and my jaw crash onto the coffee table at the sound of he rincredible voice. That begs the question: has she always wanted to sing?

We met at her grandparents' home, where she was spending the day. Her grandfather, Nannu John, who turns up with cold drinks, says Federica was always musical. As a tiny tot, he'd take her to karaoke sessions in Bugibba, where she was quite a hit. Being fond of music himself, he could see that his granddaughter had an ear for it. Even as a little thing, one of her favourites on radio was Rod Stewart. Her doting grandfather then bought her tickets to a Rod Stewart concert as a Holy Communion present.

Music is the only area of Federica's life where she is older than her years. This eleven year-old is very much a normal tween. She enjoys playing with her friends in the playground close to home. She likes swimming, and had an afternoon swim with her friend Andy lined up when we met. Anything else, I ask? She grins that wide grin of hers and her eyes light up with the mischievous look of a child who is about to share a secret.

"I love blowing balloons up and bursting them," she confides. She also enjoys rolling about in grass or confetti. Living in a village has its perks and the village festa must be one of them. Doesn't she get her pretty clothes dirty? Is she really allowed to do that? Things we did in my childhood are not quite the norm these days. From her answer is seems that Federica lives like any normal child does. She is untainted by her fame. Her friends at school all treat her in exactly the same way they always have. She has no idea why they shouldn't. Long may that last, I say.

Does she spend hours on Facebook or glued to the television? Fede, as she is known to her family, tells me she isn't happy to stay inside and not interact with people or do something. Like what? "Meeting friends, going to Valletta or to a festa, or just hanging out at the playground and chatting," comes the prompt reply. It seems that some things about childhood haven't changed. That's a consoling thought.

I compliment her on her pretty top, and tell her how lovely she always looked on television. It is such a pleasure to see children dressed in age appropriate outfits. Federica, who seems to think of others more than herself, asks me to mention her sponsors by way of thanks. Her pretty top, and all casuals are from OVS, her formal wear is by Donella Agius' D Club, shoes by Clarks and her hair during shows is by Safi salon Paradise Zone.

She fiddles with her white mobile phone cover which Vincenzo, her singing partner, gave her as a present. With a white bow, sparkly stones and pearly things, it couldn't be more girly. Fede says she isn't really very girly, which is surprising because she seems very girlish with her long hair and feminine clothes. I ask her to elaborate. She has a best friend, and naturally has many girls as friends but she prefers boys, because, in her own wise words, they are much less complicated. Honesty is also one of her more charming attributes. I like her.

Is she looking forward to going back to school come September? "Oh yes," comes the enthusiastic reply. "This year we will be co-ed, and I will be able to play football with the boys in breaktime." She's a decent goalkeeper too, I'm told. Her uniform will change and she will be able to wear trousers rather than a skirt, which she says will not hinder her racing around during break. 

She will be busier than usual, which is a plus point for her. Considering she has voice training sessions daily, and will have to keep up with school homework and all the joys of the education system here, I'm fascinated by her energy, her zest for life and her zeal to do everything she can.

Time's up, and we round off our morning by linking up online. I'm told her mother Iris will have to accept my online friend request on her behalf. Fede is definitely on the right track here, in oh so many ways and when I hug her and wish her luck, I really mean it.