Stick Man Uncorrected Bound Proof Illustrated By Axel Scheffler

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £1250
Publisher: Alison Green, London, UK
Publication Date: 2008
Format: Original pictorial boards with orange endpapers. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in near fine dustwrapper
Edition: Uncorrected Bound Proof Copy: First edition, first impression
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
This uncorrected bound proof copy has blue endpapers decorated with dark blue images and the inside flaps of the dustwrapper are predominantly red. The first edition has orange endpapers decorated with dark orange images and the overall design layout of the images is different to the proof copy. There are also subtle variations to the colour throughout the text as the proof copy is on the whole a shade darker throughout. Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. A very near fine, tight, clean copy in near fine dustwrapper which is very slightly creased and has the correct price of £10.99. A very nice copy indeed of this modern classic of children’s literature. Exceptionally rare as an uncorrected bound proof. One of the most scarce Julia Donaldson items that we have handled.

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description

“Stick Man” is a popular children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Published in 2008, this delightful story has become a beloved classic among young readers, known for its rhythmic text, engaging storyline, and distinctive illustrations.

Plot Summary
“Stick Man” tells the story of Stick Man, who lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their three stick children. One day, while going for a jog, Stick Man is accidentally picked up by a dog, starting a series of misadventures that take him far away from his home. Throughout the story, Stick Man is mistaken for various objects, like a flagpole, a boomerang, and even firewood. Each time, he struggles to explain that he is not what they think he is: “I’m Stick Man, I’m Stick Man, I’m Stick Man, that’s me!” Despite his best efforts, he ends up being taken further and further away from his family.

In the end, Stick Man is nearly burned in a fireplace, but he’s saved just in time by Santa Claus, who helps him return home. The story concludes with a heart-warming reunion with his family.
Themes

• Perseverance: Stick Man’s journey is one of perseverance and determination. Despite being constantly misunderstood and facing numerous challenges, he never gives up on his goal of returning home.
• Family: The importance of family is central to the story. Stick Man’s motivation throughout his adventures is his desire to be reunited with his loved ones.
• Identity: The story humorously explores themes of identity and misunderstanding, as Stick Man is repeatedly mistaken for things he’s not.
• Adventure and Rescue: The book also touches on the thrill of adventure and the relief and joy that come with rescue and safe return.

Illustrations

• Axel Scheffler’s Artwork: The illustrations by Axel Scheffler are vibrant, detailed, and full of character. His portrayal of Stick Man and the various situations he finds himself in are both humorous and engaging, adding depth to the story. Scheffler’s style, with its expressive characters and richly textured landscapes, perfectly complements Donaldson’s rhythmic and rhyming text.
• Visual Storytelling: The illustrations play a crucial role in the storytelling, depicting not only the physical journey of Stick Man but also the emotions he experiences along the way. Scheffler’s artwork helps to bring the story’s world to life, making it accessible and enjoyable for young readers.

Reception and Legacy
“Stick Man” has been praised for its charming narrative and memorable illustrations, becoming a favourite in households and classrooms. It has been adapted into various formats, including a popular animated film, which aired on BBC in 2015, and stage adaptations.

The book is often included in educational settings for its rhythmic language, which is great for developing early reading skills, and its themes, which provide opportunities for discussions about perseverance, family, and problem-solving.

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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