Zog Illustrated By Axel Scheffler

Author: Donaldson, Julia
Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel
Price: £125
Publisher: Alison Green, London, UK
Publication Date: 2010
Format: Original pictorial boards. Dustwrapper
Condition: Very good plus in very good dustwrapper
Edition: First edition, first impression
Pages: Unpaginated

Condition:
Binding very nice and tight but slightly creased and rubbed. Pages nice and clean. A very good indeed, tight, clean copy in very good, slightly creased, rubbed and edge-worn, bright, clean dustwrapper. It is correctly priced £10.99.

Zog by Julia Donaldson: A Short Description

“Zog” is another beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson, with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, first published in 2010. The story, like many of Donaldson’s works, is told in rhyming verse and is full of humour, adventure, and heart. Here is an overview of the book:

Plot Summary

“Zog” is a young, enthusiastic dragon who attends Dragon School, where he and his fellow dragons learn various skills that every dragon needs to know. Each year at school, Zog eagerly tries to master a new skill, but his efforts often lead to accidents and mishaps.

• Year One: Zog learns how to fly, but he crashes into a tree and gets hurt.
• Year Two: Zog practices roaring, but he loses his voice from all the effort.
• Year Three: Zog tries his hand at breathing fire, but ends up with his wings scorched.
• Year Four: The dragons learn how to capture princesses, but Zog struggles with this task.

Throughout these trials, a kind young girl named Princess Pearl helps Zog by tending to his injuries and encouraging him. Eventually, Zog succeeds in capturing Princess Pearl, but she surprises him by not resisting. She is not interested in being a typical princess; instead, she dreams of being a doctor. When a knight named Sir Gadabout arrives to “rescue” her, she convinces him and Zog that they should all work together as a team. In the end, Zog, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout decide to travel around the world, using their unique skills to help others—Zog as a flying ambulance, Pearl as a doctor, and Gadabout as her assistant. The story closes on a heart-warming note, emphasizing themes of friendship, bravery, and the value of following one’s own dreams.

Themes and Messages

• Perseverance: Zog’s determination to succeed despite his setbacks is a central theme of the story. He never gives up, even when things are difficult.
• Kindness: Princess Pearl’s kindness and willingness to help Zog whenever he’s in trouble teaches readers the importance of compassion.
• Breaking Stereotypes: The story challenges traditional roles and stereotypes. Princess Pearl doesn’t want to be a typical princess; she wants to be a doctor, showing that everyone should follow their own dreams, regardless of expectations.
• Teamwork: The ending highlights the importance of working together, as Zog, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout combine their strengths to make a positive impact.

Illustrations

Axel Scheffler’s illustrations are vibrant and full of character, bringing the story to life with expressive drawings that perfectly complement Donaldson’s rhyming text. The artwork is detailed, engaging, and adds an extra layer of humour to the narrative.

Adaptations

“Zog” has been adapted into an animated short film, which first aired on the BBC in 2018. The film, like the book, has been well-received for its faithful adaptation and charming animation. Additionally, there is a sequel to the book called “Zog and the Flying Doctors”, which continues the adventures of Zog, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout.

Reception

“Zog” has been widely praised for its fun and engaging story, memorable characters, and the positive messages it conveys. It has become a favourite among young readers and parents alike, often featured in classrooms and libraries, and is a staple of modern children’s literature.

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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