The Gruffalo Song – Signed By Julia Donaldson And Axel Scheffler

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £395
Publisher: Macmillan, London, UK
Publication Date: 2001
Format: Original pictorial wrappers
Condition: Very good
Edition: First edition
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
A special book for World Book Day. Binding nice and tight. Slight creasing to the front and rear wrappers. Pages very nice and clean. A very good, tight, clean copy. Signed by Julia Donaldson to the title page and also signed by Axel Scheffler who has dated it, ‘5.12.13’ and added an original drawing of a mouse. Signed copies of this title are very scarce.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description
“The Gruffalo” is a beloved children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, first published in 1999. This modern classic tells the enchanting tale of a clever little mouse who uses his wit and imagination to outsmart the various predators in the forest.

As the mouse encounters animals like the fox, owl, and snake, each eager to make a meal of him, he invents a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo to scare them away. The mouse describes the Gruffalo as a monstrous beast with “terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws”. However, the real twist comes when the mouse unexpectedly meets the very creature he invented—the Gruffalo is real! Despite the mouse’s initial shock, he keeps his cool and continues to outwit the Gruffalo, convincing him that he, the mouse, is the scariest creature in the forest.

The story is told in rhythmic, rhyming prose that makes it a delight to read aloud, and Scheffler’s vibrant, detailed illustrations bring the characters and the forest to life. The combination of Donaldson’s playful text and Scheffler’s expressive artwork has made The Gruffalo a favourite among children, parents, and educators alike.

The Gruffalo has won numerous awards and has been translated into over 50 languages. It has also been adapted into stage plays, animated films, and various other media. Its themes of courage, cleverness, and the triumph of the small over the mighty resonate with readers of all ages, making it a timeless story that continues to capture the hearts of new generations.

World Book Day: A Short History

World Book Day is an annual celebration of books and reading, recognized globally on different dates depending on the country. The concept of World Book Day originated with UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and is designed to promote reading, publishing, and copyright awareness. Here’s a brief history of how World Book Day came to be:

Origins and Global Recognition

• 23 April 1995: UNESCO officially proclaimed April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day. This date was chosen because it marks the death anniversaries of two of the world’s greatest writers, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, both of whom died on April 23rd, 1616 (though Cervantes died on April 22nd in the Gregorian calendar, it was April 23rd in the Julian calendar, used in Spain at that time). Additionally, this date also commemorates the birth or death of other notable authors, making it a symbolic day for literature.
• Purpose: The aim of World Book Day is to encourage people, especially young people, to discover the joy of reading. UNESCO, through this day, seeks to promote the benefits of reading, the importance of cultural literacy, and the protection of authors’ rights.

World Book Day in the UK and Ireland

• First Celebration: In the UK and Ireland, World Book Day is typically celebrated on the first Thursday of March to avoid conflicts with the Easter holidays and to better align with the school calendar.
• 1997: The first World Book Day in the UK and Ireland was celebrated in 1997. It quickly became an important day in the school calendar, with special activities such as book-themed dress-up events, author visits, and reading promotions.
• Book Tokens: One of the key features of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is the distribution of book tokens to children. These tokens can be exchanged for special World Book Day books or used as part payment for other books. This initiative was introduced to encourage children to visit bookshops and explore a variety of reading materials.

Expansion and Cultural Impact

• Global Participation: World Book Day has since expanded to over 100 countries worldwide. While the exact date of celebration may vary, the spirit of promoting reading remains constant.
• Focus on Children and Young People: In many countries, including the UK, the focus of World Book Day is on encouraging children to develop a love for reading. Schools, libraries, and communities organize events and activities to highlight the importance of books.
• Cultural Events: Across the globe, World Book Day is marked by a variety of events, including book fairs, author readings, storytelling sessions, and more. These events aim to foster a love of reading and an appreciation for literature among people of all ages.

Evolution and Digital Influence

• Digital Engagement: With the rise of digital technology, World Book Day has also embraced online platforms to reach a wider audience. Virtual book readings, online quizzes, and digital storytelling have become part of the celebration in recent years.
• Book Donations and Charity: Many organizations use World Book Day as an opportunity to donate books to schools, libraries, and communities in need. This charitable aspect highlights the day’s mission to make books accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

Conclusion

World Book Day has evolved from its inception by UNESCO into a global celebration that unites people of all ages around the joy of reading. By encouraging reading habits and fostering a love for books, World Book Day continues to play a significant role in promoting literacy and cultural awareness worldwide.

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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