A Squash And A Squeeze Illustrated By Axel Scheffler And Signed By Julia Donaldson

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £75
Publisher: Mammoth, London, UK
Publication Date: 1995
Format: Original pictorial wrappers
Condition: Very good
Edition: Early reprint
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
Binding nice and tight. Slight rubbing to the head of the spine and minor creasing to the wrappers and pages. Pages generally nice and clean. A very good, tight, clean copy overall. Signed ‘For Aimee’ by Julia Donaldson to the title page. Early (pre-The Gruffalo) signed copies of this title are scarce in any form.

A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description
“A Squash and a Squeeze” was the debut picture book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, It was first published in 1993. This delightful story, filled with humour and a valuable lesson, introduces young readers to a wise tale about perspective and contentment.

The story centres on an elderly woman who lives in a small house, which she feels is too cramped and tiny—a “squash and a squeeze”. Seeking advice, she turns to a wise old man who gives her an unusual solution: he tells her to bring her farm animals inside her home. Following his advice, she invites a hen, a goat, a pig, and a cow into her already tight living space. As the animals enter, the house becomes even more crowded, and the woman is more frustrated than ever.

However, when the old man advises her to remove the animals one by one, the woman suddenly finds her home spacious and comfortable, just as it was before. Through this humorous reversal, the woman realizes that her house wasn’t as small as she had thought—it was her perspective that needed changing.

The book is written in Donaldson’s signature rhythmic verse, making it a fun and engaging read for young children. Axel Scheffler’s bright and playful illustrations perfectly complement the story, bringing the characters and the chaotic scenes in the house to life with charm and humour.

A Squash and a Squeeze is more than just a funny tale; it teaches a valuable lesson about appreciating what we have and understanding that our problems are often a matter of perspective. The book has been praised for its clever storytelling, engaging language, and its ability to resonate with readers of all ages. It marked the beginning of the successful collaboration between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, which would later produce numerous beloved children’s classics, including “The Gruffalo”.

Over the years, A Squash and a Squeeze has become a staple in children’s literature, enjoyed by countless young readers and their families. Its timeless message and delightful presentation continue to make it a popular choice for story-time.

Julia Donaldson: A Short Biography
Julia Donaldson (born September 16, 1948) is a highly acclaimed British author, best known for her children’s books, which have captivated young readers around the world. Born in Hampstead, London, Julia grew up in a family that valued creativity and storytelling. Her early interest in music and literature led her to study drama and French at the University of Bristol, where she further developed her love for the arts.

Before becoming a full-time author, Donaldson worked as a songwriter for children’s television. Many of her early songs were for the BBC’s Play School and Play Away. This background in music and rhyme is evident in her writing style, which often features rhythmic and rhyming text that makes her books especially engaging for children.

Donaldson’s breakthrough as a children’s author came with the publication of The Gruffalo in 1999, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The book became an instant classic, winning numerous awards and establishing her as a leading voice in children’s literature. The story’s success led to a long and fruitful partnership with Scheffler, resulting in other beloved titles such as “Room on the Broom”, “Stick Man”, and “The Snail and the Whale”.

Julia Donaldson’s books are known for their playful language, memorable characters, and moral lessons that resonate with both children and adults. Her ability to blend humour, adventure, and heart-warming themes has made her one of the most successful and beloved children’s authors of her generation. Her works have been translated into over 75 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In addition to her writing, Donaldson has been an active advocate for literacy and children’s education. She served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate from 2011 to 2013, during which time she championed initiatives to promote reading among children and support libraries. Her contributions to literature and education have been widely recognised, earning her numerous awards and honours, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2011 for services to literature.

Julia Donaldson continues to write, perform, and inspire, with her work remaining a cherished part of childhood for countless readers around the world.

Axel Scheffler: A Short Biography
Axel Scheffler (born December 12, 1957) is a German-born illustrator and animator, best known for his vibrant and whimsical illustrations in children’s books, particularly his long-standing collaboration with author Julia Donaldson. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Scheffler showed an early interest in drawing and the visual arts. He studied at the Bath Academy of Art in the UK, where he honed his skills in illustration and developed a unique style characterised by expressive characters and detailed, textured artwork.

After completing his studies, Scheffler initially worked as a freelance illustrator, contributing to a variety of magazines, advertising campaigns, and other publications. However, his career took a significant turn when he was paired with Julia Donaldson to illustrate “The Gruffalo” in 1999. The book’s success catapulted Scheffler to international fame, and his illustrations became instantly recognizable to children and parents alike.

Scheffler’s collaboration with Donaldson proved to be one of the most successful in children’s publishing, leading to the creation of many beloved books, including “Room on the Broom”, “The Snail and the Whale”, “Stick Man”, and “Zog”. His illustrations are celebrated for their warmth, humour, and attention to detail, bringing Donaldson’s stories to life in a way that appeals to both children and adults. His characters are often described as having a timeless, almost classic quality, while still feeling fresh and contemporary.

Beyond his work with Donaldson, Scheffler has illustrated numerous other books and projects, contributing his distinctive style to a wide range of stories and topics. He has worked with various authors and on solo projects, demonstrating versatility and creativity across different genres.

Scheffler’s contributions to children’s literature have been widely recognised, earning him several awards and honours. His work has been translated into numerous languages, and his illustrations have become iconic in the world of children’s books.

Despite his success, Scheffler remains known for his modesty and dedication to his craft. He continues to live and work in London, where he draws inspiration from the city’s diverse culture and artistic heritage. Axel Scheffler’s illustrations have left an indelible mark on children’s literature, making him one of the most beloved and influential illustrators of his generation. His work continues to enchant new readers, ensuring his place as a central figure in the world of children’s storytelling.

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