Dame Jacqueline Wilson is back once again. After releasing her first adult novel, Think Again, last year and thrilling fans with a sequel to her beloved Girls series, Wilson has delighted us fans with a new book announcement today.

The author revealed that she has written another adult novel and a sequel to her 1999 book The Illustrated Mum. In a light-hearted and funny video announcing the new book, Picture Imperfect, Wilson, dressed in a rather brilliant faux fur coat, shared with readers that she’s written a sequel to The Illustrated Mum from her hometown of Brighton.

Wilson also unveiled a statue of herself covered in tattoos to announce the new novel. Picture Imperfect will be published by Transworld in hardback, audio and e-book on 28 August. The statue will reside at Waterstones Brighton before going on a mini-tour of the UK later in the year.

Of Picture Imperfect, Wilson said: “I’m hoping that readers who have been with me a long time will immediately know what the tattoos I’m sporting on the statue reference – The Illustrated Mum. It’s a book that holds a special place in my heart and when I was on tour last year. Many readers asked me to revisit it so I’ve put pen to paper for them. I am very excited to revisit these beloved characters and I hope readers will love seeing what they are all up to now.”

The new novel catches up with 33-year-old Dolphin, now living in a tiny studio flat, working in a tattoo shop by day and collecting her illustrated mum from police stations by night. Dol yearns to climb out of the rut she is stuck in, but has no idea where to begin. Could gardener Lee and his daughter Ava be her chance for a wholesome family life? Or maybe a steamy romance with roguish actor Joel is just what she needs. And what about the offer from her sister Star, now a successful doctor, to move to Scotland and live with her young family? As the choices threaten to overwhelm her, will Dol fall into the role of extra in someone else’s story once again – or find the strength to forge a brand new path of her own?

Think Again, Dame Jacqueline’s first adult novel since the 70s, was published last year and sailed straight into the Sunday Times top 10 in the number two spot and was the bestselling adult debut hardback of 2024.

Images: Transworld