FWIW - I think the subtle parchment color background is a big improvement. I would also suggest changing the background color of the illustration on the bottom right to match the background color of your central illustration (that darker off-white).

Have you thought about adding a slight feathered border to each of the text box colors so that they more naturally flow into the background color. I know the text is really close together - but my thought is that it would make the transitions less stark.

Either way - great job