The Snail And The Whale Signed By Julia Donaldson And Axel Scheffler

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £125
Publisher: Macmillan, London, UK
Publication Date: Dated 2003
Format: Original pictorial wrappers
Condition: Very good
Edition: First Paperback Edition
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
Binding nice and tight. Very slight rubbing to the spine and minor creasing to the wrappers. Pages very nice and clean. A very good, tight, clean copy overall. Signed ‘For Aimee’ by Julia Donaldson to the title page and also signed by Axel Scheffler who has dated it, ‘Edinburgh, 28-08-2010’ and added an original drawing of a snail on its travels. Early signed copies of this title are scarce.

The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description

“The Snail and the Whale” is a beautifully crafted children’s picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, first published in 2003. This enchanting story combines themes of adventure, friendship, and the importance of even the smallest creatures, making it a beloved favourite among readers of all ages.

The story follows an unlikely duo—a tiny, adventurous sea snail and a large, kind-hearted humpback whale. The snail, tired of her small life on a rock, yearns to explore the world and see new sights. She writes a message on her rock that says, “Lift wanted around the world”, which catches the attention of a passing whale. The whale offers the snail a ride on his tail, and together, they embark on a journey across the oceans.

As they travel, the snail experiences the vastness of the world, from icy polar regions to tropical islands, coral reefs, and underwater caves. The illustrations by Axel Scheffler vividly bring these diverse landscapes to life, captivating readers with their detail and color.

However, the adventure takes a dramatic turn when the whale becomes stranded in a shallow bay. The tiny snail, though small and seemingly insignificant, uses her resourcefulness and determination to save her giant friend. She writes a message on a blackboard near the bay, which ultimately leads to the rescue of the whale by humans.

The story is told in Julia Donaldson’s signature rhyming verse, which flows effortlessly and makes the book a joy to read aloud. The themes of friendship, courage, and the idea that even the smallest voice can make a big difference resonate deeply with readers.

The Snail and the Whale has been widely praised for its heart-warming narrative and its stunning illustrations. It has won numerous awards and has been adapted into an animated film, a stage production, and various educational materials.

The book continues to be a favourite for story-time, teaching children valuable lessons about the power of friendship, bravery, and the importance of helping others, no matter how small you may feel.

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 Gruffalo’s Child”.

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 Gruffalo’s Child”, “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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