The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child: First Deluxe Miniature Editions Both Signed By Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Donaldson, Julia & Scheffler, Axel

£495.00

Availability: In stock

SKU 9781447284581 9781447284598 Categories , ,

Product Description

The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child: First Deluxe Miniature Editions Both Signed By Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £495
Publisher: Macmillan, London, UK
Publication Date: 2015, 2015
Format: Original pictorial boards, decorated in gilt
Condition: Fine, bright and clean
Edition: First editions thus
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
Both copies signed and dated by Donaldson and Scheffler to the title page. Scheffler has dated ‘The Gruffalo’ 6.12.18 and drawn a Gruffalo and he has dated ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ 5.12.19 and drawn a mouse. Both copies are in fine, bright, clean condition. Scarce thus.

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.

The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description

“The Gruffalo’s Child” is the charming sequel to the much-loved children’s book “The Gruffalo”, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. First published in 2004, this book continues the story of the Gruffalo, focusing on the adventures of his curious and courageous daughter.

Set in the deep, dark wood, the story begins with the Gruffalo warning his child about the Big Bad Mouse, a creature described as so terrifying that even the Gruffalo himself is afraid of it. Despite her father’s warnings, the Gruffalo’s Child is determined to find out more about this mysterious creature. One snowy night, unable to resist her curiosity, she sneaks out of the cave and embarks on an adventure to track down the Big Bad Mouse.

As she wanders through the forest, she encounters the same characters that her father met in the original story—the Snake, the Owl, and the Fox. Each one of them, still afraid of the Gruffalo, tries to convince her that the Big Bad Mouse is real and dangerous. However, when she finally meets the little mouse from the first book, the tables are turned. Using his cleverness and wit, the mouse once again manages to outsmart the larger creature, convincing the Gruffalo’s Child that he is indeed the fearsome Big Bad Mouse.

The story is told in Julia Donaldson’s signature rhythmic and rhyming verse, making it a delight to read aloud. Axel Scheffler’s illustrations are equally enchanting, capturing the wintery landscape and the expressive faces of the characters with warmth and humour. The book’s themes of curiosity, bravery, and the power of wit resonate with both children and adults, making The Gruffalo’s Child a worthy successor to the original classic.

Like its predecessor, The Gruffalo’s Child has become a beloved favourite in children’s literature. It has been adapted into a popular animated film, stage plays, and has inspired a wide range of merchandise. The book continues to be a staple on bookshelves around the world, enchanting new generations of readers with its timeless story and captivating illustrations.

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.

Why Buy From Us?
At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering rare and first edition books of the highest quality and authenticity. Each item in our collection is meticulously researched and carefully curated to ensure it meets the exacting standards of discerning collectors.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Authenticity and Provenance: Every item is verified for authenticity and provenance.
  • Expert Curation: We select books based on their historical significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a distinguished collection.
  • Customer Satisfaction: We are committed to providing a seamless and satisfactory customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure, prompt delivery.
  • Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on all items. If for any reason you are not satisfied, returns are accepted within fourteen days of receipt, provided the item is returned in the same condition as sent.

Explore Our Collection:
Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and first edition books. Whether you are an avid collector or seeking a unique literary treasure, our selection offers something truly exceptional. Our gallery, located in Ripon, has been a destination for book lovers and collectors since 1976.