The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Read all about it: top-selling children’s author at festival
Jacqueline Wilson will be special guest of literary event as she renews her links with Dundee
One of Britain’s best-known children’s authors is heading to Tayside as a big event’s special guest this year.
Dundee Literary Festival will welcome Jacqueline Wilson in the city in November during her only Scottish date this year.
The best-selling author, who penned Tracey Beaker and The Illustrated Mum, will host a fan party in the DC Thomson Meadowside building on Saturday November 11.
Ms Wilson has several connections with Dundee, having trained in the city as a journalist in in the 1960s, as well as being awarded an honorary degree from Dundee University.
The festival will also see the launch of the biography of Michael Marra, featuring a special meet and greet with author James Roberston, the late Bard of Dundee’s friend.
It also coincides with the centenary of Dundee academic D’Arcy Thompson’s seminal work On Growth and Form being released. A discussion on Thompson’s study, written while he was based in the city, will be held by university academic Matthew Jarron.
The Dundee International Book Prize winner will also be announced during festival week, which takes place between October 18 and 22.
Peggy Hughes, programme manager of the festival, said: “The programme is jam-packed with literary stars, terrific debut voices, and events for families and children, so there is something for everyone.
“This year you can join a pop-up choir, make a little book, or try your hand at writing for young adults.
“You can test your wits in our bookish quiz, or sit back and enjoy the beautiful music of the Bookshop Band.”
She added: “On Growth and Form looks inside things and examines their structures and cells. “It gives up nature’s secrets. “This year we decided to take a steer from D’Arcy Thompson.
“We’re looking inside literary works, at their structures and their forms and secrets too.
“We hope you’ll join us this autumn to make, do, dance and listen. Bring the kids. Come and help us make this our best festival yet.”
Tickets for all of the festival events will be available to purchase from today, with details available on www. literarydundee.co.uk.