BBC presents The Gruffalo for Christmas
An animated version of popular children’s book The Gruffalo will air on BBC One this Christmas.
The 30-minute programme will feature Robbie Coltrane, Helena Bonham Carter, Rob Brydon and James Corden. Others stars who will lend their voices to the show include John Hurt and Tom Wilkinson.
The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling book has sold over 4 million copies and remains a firm favourite of children, both big and small.
Speaking to BBC News, Donaldson said: “I’m very excited by what I have seen of the animation, in particular by how faithful it is to the original story, while incorporating lots of imaginative touches to bring the deep dark wood alive.”
The book tells the story of a mouse who encounters a fox, an owl and a snake during a walk in the woods. After discovering that they all want to eat him, he creates an imaginary monster that turns out to be real.
BBC One boss Jay Hunt said: “It is a real privilege to bring a modern children’s classic like The Gruffalo to BBC One. This captivating animation is a charming addition to the channel.”
The Gruffalo celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Posted: June 25th, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Julia Donaldson
Do you have something to add to this post? Please leave a comment
Book of the Month
Dust of Dreams by Steven Erikson
On the Letherii continent the exiled Malazan army commanded by Adjunct Tavore begins its march into the eastern Wastelands, to fight for an unknown cause against an enemy it has never seen. The fate awaiting the Bonehunters is one no soldier can prepare for, and one no mortal soul can withstand - the foe is uncertainty and the only weapon worth wielding is stubborn courage.
Latest interviews
Interviews plus question and answer sessions with authors, narrators and publishers.
Must-reads
The following reviews are of books that begin the very best fantasy series available.
Special Feature: My Most Anticipated Books of 2010
With the beginning of a new year come resolutions, gym memberships, budgets and more. But, honestly, none of that really matters in the face of some of the books that are coming this year. So here’s a small taste of what is coming in 2010 from some of fantasy’s best, and why I’m looking forward to them.