The Gruffalo's Child

WINNER of the Children's Book of the Year at the 2005 British Book Awards

The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should,
Ever set foot in the deep dark wood.

But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo's child ignores her father's warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn't really exist... does he?

The gorgeous sequel to the modern classic, The Gruffalo.

Also available in hard back, paper back and CD.

 Guest Reviewer

Jodie McAlister: An Aussie mum to Vanna (4) and Taula (4 months) living, working, reading and playing in Nuku’alofa Tonga.

Although I had heard of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo I have to confess I was not familiar with the story until we had the chance to see the film screened over Christmas last year – and what a lovely adaptation it is.  So it was with great enthusiasm we welcomed the chance to review The Gruffalo’s Child and the LBBC Activity Time sheet this month.

There’s a lot for a youngster to like about this book – the innate curiosity piqued by a parent’s recollections, the mystery of an unknown beast, the late night expedition into the snow alone and above all the chance to be brave (better yet the safety of knowing that when no longer brave there is somewhere safe and warm to snuggle up).

Axel Scheffler’s winter wonderland illustrations evoke the magic of a snow covered Narnia with forest creatures lurking in trees and corners complementing the action of the main characters.  I love that the Gruffalo’s child is neither recognisably a he nor a she (although she is referred to in the text) and I love the wide eyed excitement of the characters as is trade mark Scheffler work.

Whilst the book builds on the characters and story lines of the original Gruffalo it also stands alone as a charming and engaging read.  The curiosity of the Gruffalo’s child is a perfect complement for the feisty, resourceful and quick thinking mouse and Donaldson’s rhyming text is a lovely way to meet snake, owl and fox and follow the Gruffalo’s child’s adventure.

I have to admit that I prefer the original – but here’s the thing – my son prefers The Gruffalo’s Child and we all know whose preference matters most.  The fact that this timeless classic has reinvigorated itself with a character so easily related to by young readers is the magic of an author who not only creates an enchanting story but can do so with the true target audience in mind.

I‘d say The Gruffalo’s Child is good, real good – but then I can hear the mouse reply indignantly  

 ‘Good – don’t call me good!’ 

 This book is an excellent read and one your young adventurers will enjoy!

To see how Jodie used the book as a starting point for playing with her children, read her Guest Blog Post http://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/blog/2011/guest-blog-the-gruffalo%E2%80%99s-child