Book inspired Kylie's recovery

The Showgirl Princess, which singer Kylie Minogue says was inspired by drawings sent to her by fans as she recovered from breast cancer, was launched in Sydney. Photo: news.com.au

The secret project that took Kylie Minogue's mind off her cancer treatment was finally revealed to the world yesterday.

Her illustrated children's book, The Showgirl Princess, which the singer says was inspired by drawings sent to her by fans as she recovered from breast cancer, was launched in Sydney.

Some of those pictures have been used in the book, which conveys positive messages about the importance of self-belief and friendship, mirroring Minogue's state of mind during her battle.

The Showgirl Princess, which singer Kylie Minogue says was inspired by drawings sent to her by fans as she recovered from breast cancer, was launched in Sydney. Photo: news.com.au

The story tells the tale of Minogue's rise to fame with the help of a dedicated team, including her boyfriend Olivier Martinez's dog.

The colourful book mixes photos of the pop princess with paintings and drawings sent in from around the world by worried fans during her illness, as well as artwork by New York illustrator Swan Park.

A calendar of sexy images also went on sale this week.

Minogue, 38, is in training ahead of her gruelling Showgirl tour, which starts in November.

She has enlisted three of the world's leading choreographers - Michael Rooney, Raphael Bonachela and Akram Khan - to help her redesign the show.

Rooney choreographed the Fat Boy Slim videos and Kylie's Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Bonachela heads the UK's Ballet Rambert and Khan is a star on the international dance scene.

Tickets are still available for the Showgirl concerts.

Daily Telegraph/Sydney Confidential/news.com.au