18 February 2010

Jacqueline Wilson to read from new book in Dundee

Jacqueline Wilson, one of the world’s best-loved children’s authors, will be appearing in Dundee to read extracts from her latest book next month.

Dame Jacqueline, whose professional career began when she worked as a journalist in the city, will mark the publication on her new book, Little Darlings, by appearing at the University of Dundee’s Dalhousie Building on Wednesday, March 24th.

The multi-award winning author has written dozens of books, which have sold more than 25 million copies in the UK alone, since her debut novel was published in 1969. These include the massively popular Tracy Beaker, Mark Spark and Girls series’.

Her vast and diverse canon of work has dealt with a number of challenging themes - including divorce, adoption and mental illness - that other writers of children’s literature have shied away from. She received an Honorary Degree from the University of Dundee in 2007 and was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2008 New Years Honours List.

The event is organised by Literary Dundee, a University initiative designed to generate interest in literature and creative writing. Director Anna Day said she was delighted to be able to bring such an esteemed author to the city.

'I’m sure Jacqueline will be a big hit with the young, and not-so-young, readers who will be in the audience,' she said. 'She really is one of the best and most well-known authors of fiction for young people in the world, and her books have been changing the face of children’s fiction for over 40 years now.'

'This is a great chance for people to come along and hear an exclusive reading of Little Darlings and get their children interested in the wonderful world of books. Tickets are sure to go fast, so I would encourage anyone who wants to come along to this fantastic event to book their places as soon as possible.'

Little Darlings tells the story of two girls who are worlds apart, but forever together. Sunset lives a life of luxury with her beautiful ex-model mum, her world-famous ex-rocker dad and two little celeb siblings while Destiny is an only child living on a rundown estate.

Destiny’s sickly but devoted mum constantly tells her that she's really the daughter of a famous former rock star and, when she and Sunset meet in unlikely circumstances, they are surprised to find in each other something they've been missing all their lives.

Jacqueline Wilson will be appearing at the Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee, from 7pm on Wednesday, March 24th.

Tickets are restricted to six per person. Signed stock will be available to purchase before and after the main event. In addition a limited number of fans will be able to get signed copies individually dedicated. Anyone wishing to do so should arrive early to receive a wristband that will grant access to the dedication signing queue, and which will be issued on a strictly first-come-first-served basis.

Tickets are priced £6 for adults, £5 for children under 16, and £20 for a family ticket which reserves four seats. They can be purchased by calling 01382 384413, emailing a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk or visiting the University’s online store www.buyat.dundee.ac.uk/.

The University is heavily involved in initiatives and events to promote interest and excellence in the study of literature. These include the Dundee Literary Festival, a Literacy Programme, Dundee University Press, Literary Dundee and the University’s various publications.

The event is organised in conjunction with Waterstones.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277