Tabby McTat Signed By Axel Scheffler And Julia Donaldson

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £275
Publisher: Alison Green, London, UK
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Original pictorial boards.
Condition: Very near fine in near fine dustwrapper
Edition: First edition, first impression
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
Binding nice and tight. Pages generally nice and clean with occasional very minor creasing. A very near fine, tight, clean copy in near fine, very slightly creased dustwrapper. Scarce in this condition. Signed by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler to the title page along with Axel Scheffler’s stamp and added musical notes.

Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description

“Tabby McTat” is another delightful children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, first published in 2009. This book, like many of their collaborations, features a heart-warming story, rhythmic text, and vibrant illustrations that have made it a favourite among young readers and parents alike.

Plot Summary
“Tabby McTat” tells the story of a busker’s cat named Tabby McTat. Tabby lives a happy life singing songs with his owner, Fred the busker, as they entertain passers-by on the streets. They are a perfect pair, and life seems just right. One day, Tabby McTat and Fred are separated when Fred is injured and taken to the hospital. Tabby is left alone and eventually finds a new home with a cat named Sock and her owners. As time passes, Tabby settles into his new life, but he never forgets Fred. He starts a family with Sock, and they have a litter of kittens. However, Tabby McTat’s longing for his old life and his loyalty to Fred eventually lead him to return to the streets in search of his old friend. When they are finally reunited, Fred and Tabby McTat resume their street performances, but this time, they have a new addition to their act—one of Tabby’s kittens, who takes over as the next singing cat, allowing Tabby to retire happily.

Themes
Friendship and Loyalty: The book explores the deep bond between Tabby McTat and Fred. Despite being separated and starting a new life, Tabby’s loyalty to Fred remains strong, highlighting the enduring nature of true friendship.

Family and Responsibility: Tabby McTat’s journey also touches on the importance of family and the responsibilities that come with it. His decision to return to Fred shows how one can balance old loyalties with new responsibilities.

Perseverance and Reunion: The story has an element of perseverance as Tabby McTat searches for Fred, leading to a heart-warming reunion. It teaches children about the value of persistence and the joy of being reunited with loved ones.

Illustrations

Axel Scheffler’s Artwork: Scheffler’s illustrations are, as always, a perfect complement to Donaldson’s text. The illustrations are colourful, expressive, and filled with warmth, capturing the charm of the story and its characters.

Character Design: Tabby McTat is drawn as a friendly, endearing cat with a distinctive tabby pattern. The other characters, including Fred, Sock, and their kittens, are all rendered with Scheffler’s signature style, which is both detailed and accessible to young readers.

Setting and Atmosphere: Scheffler’s illustrations also bring the various settings to life, from the bustling streets where Fred and Tabby perform to the cosy home where Tabby starts his family. The illustrations help to create a vivid and engaging world that draws readers into the story.

Reception and Legacy

Popularity: “Tabby McTat” has been widely praised for its touching story, rhythmic text, and beautiful illustrations. It has become a popular book for bedtime reading and is often included in school curriculums for early readers.

Educational Value: The book’s repetitive and rhyming structure makes it ideal for developing early literacy skills. It is often used to teach children about themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the importance of perseverance.

Adaptations: Like many of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, “Tabby McTat” has been adapted into stage plays and included in story collections, extending its reach to different audiences.

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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