Children from a nursery met the bestselling creators of Gruffalo Granny during a special story time at Bath Central Library.
Author Dame Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler made the surprise appearance on 25 September as part of an event organised by BookTrust and publisher Macmillan Children’s Books.
Dame Julia read from Gruffalo Granny - the fastest-selling picture book in publishing history -while Axel brought the story to life with live drawing of the much-loved characters.
There was even a guest appearance at the library from the Gruffalo himself, to the delight of the children gathered in the library.
The children, who all attend Guinea Lane Nursery, were each given their own Gruffalo books to take homeafterwards.
The Bath event is part of BookTrust’s partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books, in support of the publisher’s mission to help boost early years literacy in underserved communities during the National Year of Reading.
The programme uses a selection of curated books, resources and activities to enhance library storytelling sessions and help develop a love of reading, with all the benefits that brings for development, attainment and wellbeing.
The initiative will provide opportunities to inspire story sessions and spark imagination with libraries gifting copies of the Gruffalo books for families to keep and enjoy reading together.
Dame Julia said it was “a pleasure” reading Gruffalo Granny to the children, adding: “I’m delighted that Macmillan Children’s Books and BookTrust are helping so many more children and families share stories through libraries.”
Meanwhile, Axel added that it was “wonderful” to draw the characters for the group.
Events like this can be such an inspiring way for children to enjoy books together and really discover the magic of reading and storytelling.
Axel Scheffler, Gruffalo Granny illustrator
Lizzie Catford, BookTrust’s Director of Children’s Books, said the event showed the power of sharing a story.
“Libraries are perfect places for families to discover books together, and today’s visit showed just how joyful sharing a story can be,” she said.
“Thanks to the team at Bath Central Library for holding such a fabulous event and for all the work they do throughout the year.
“Children become readers with the support of the people and places around them and we’re hugely grateful to Macmillan Children’s Books for helping us bring these much-loved stories to families through libraries across the country.”
Meanwhile, Alison Ruane, Managing Director of Macmillan Children’s Books, said:“We are delighted to be partnering with BookTrust for our Gruffalo Mission and I would like to thank them for working with us.
“Together we are donating Gruffalo books and offering resources to nearly a thousand libraries throughout the UK, where librarians are then offering support and expert advice about books to many more thousands of children and families.
“Today again shows how the power of storytelling can be such a joyful occasion that we want as many children as possible to experience. We know this makes a significant difference to their lives.”
Seeing the Gruffalo step off the page and into the library is a magical moment I hope they will remember in years to come.
Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet member for Communications and Community, Bath & North East Somerset Council
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said that it had been an “incredible day” for the library’s young visitors.
“Our libraries play a huge role in encouraging a lifelong love of books and reading with the Gruffalo creators there will no doubt have sparked imaginations,” she said.
Here’s how a treasured picture book with such cultural impact can inspire families to read together — and why this is at the heart of our work at BookTrust.
