Kylie Minogue writing a book, Showgirl Princess, for children

Kylie follows in the footsteps of successful celebrity authors to pen a book for children, The Showgirl Princess.

BY A CORRESPONDENT

9 March 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

After the likes of Madonna, Sarah Ferguson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, it's now the turn of Australian singer Kylie Minogue to write a children's book. Minogue, 37, who has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer, is busy writing The Showgirl Princess, a book aimed at young fans aged six and upwards. The book is based on her life as a pop star, according to BBC reports.

The hardback book will be illustrated. It will also feature photos of the star taken by long-time collaborator William Baker. The book will be published by Puffin in September.

The Showgirl Princess tells the story of Kylie, whose dream of becoming a showgirl princess comes true with the help of the people. Though sources at Puffin say that the book is not autobiographical, although Kylie does draw on her experiences.

In the past, celebrities like Madonna and Jamie Lee Curtis have been very successful as writers. In fact, Madonna's English Roses became the fastest selling book of all time. It was published simultaneously in 100 countries and 30 languages and sold more than 50,000 copies of its English edition in less than two weeks. She has since written four more books including Lotsa de Casha and Mr Peabody's Apples.

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis has written five brightly-coloured bestsellers and has proved to be a hit with buyers and critics alike.

Spike Lee, the American film director, borrowed a line from his 1986 film She's Gotta Have It as the title for a wholesome, illustrated tale about a mischievous toddler.

In the UK, Sarah Ferguson wrote Budgie the Little Helicopter, which became a worldwide franchise with TV and video spin-offs.