Renowned Author Jacqueline Wilson Unveils Surprising Adult Sequel to Childhood Classic
In a captivating twist, esteemed author Dame Jacqueline Wilson has recently revealed the upcoming release of “Picture Imperfect,” an adult-oriented sequel to her beloved 1999 children’s book, “The Illustrated Mum.” Set to hit shelves on August 28th, this long-awaited continuation of the tale will revisit familiar characters Dolphin and Star, who navigated the complexities of their mother Marigold’s bipolar disorder during their formative years.
At 33, Dolphin finds herself in a state of flux, wrestling with the challenges of her past. Living in a modest bedsit, toiling away at a tattoo parlor, and frequently retrieving her mother from encounters with law enforcement, she yearns for the solace of romance. However, torn between the dependable Lee and his daughter Ava on one hand, and a dalliance with the charismatic actor Joel on the other, Dolphin is faced with a tumultuous decision. Meanwhile, Star has forged a career in medicine and resides with her own family in Scotland.
During an engaging discussion on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, Wilson expressed her anticipation for the public’s response to this latest literary installment. The acclaimed author, who was bestowed with the title of dame in 2008, is renowned for her adept exploration of weighty themes in a manner accessible to readers of all ages.
While much of Wilson’s oeuvre delves into sensitive topics such as suicide, mental health, and domestic violence, typically targeting a youthful audience between the ages of seven and 12, “Picture Imperfect” marks a significant departure. Following the success of her inaugural adult novel in decades, “Think Again,” a sequel to the popular Girls series released last year, Wilson’s foray into adult fiction has been met with resounding acclaim, establishing the author as a notable force in the genre.
Reflecting on her transition to writing for adults, Wilson remarked on the joy she discovered in revisiting the cherished characters of her youth. “It’s like a party game – thinking about your childhood favorites that you wrote about,” she shared with Mills. “And one of the books that people have mentioned over the years is ‘The Illustrated Mum.'”
Originating from the eponymous character Marigold’s extensive array of tattoos, which also inspired the names of Dolphin and Star, the original book clinched the esteemed Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in 2000 before being adapted into a film featuring Michelle Collins in 2003.
To herald the impending release of “Picture Imperfect,” Wilson unveiled a striking statue of herself adorned with tattoos in Brighton, near her Sussex abode, with plans in place for its relocation to a Waterstones store in the city. Eager to engage with her readers, the author intends to tour seaside locales across the nation to promote her forthcoming children’s book, “The Seaside Sleepover,” slated for release next month.
“The Illustrated Mum” stands as
