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The Gruffalo and Me: The Remarkable Julia Donaldson

A celebration of the life and work of Julia Donaldson and the remarkable cast of characters that have sprung from her imagination.

A celebration of the life and work of one of Britain's best-selling children's authors. The programme offers unique access to Julia Donaldson, her family, her rich archives and home movies, and the remarkable cast of characters that have sprung from her imagination. Specially commissioned animations from Julia's long-term illustrator Axel Scheffler bring her biography to life. With contributions from well-known admirers and collaborators, this is a tribute to the woman who has created the characters and stories that have become a fixture of children’s bedtime routines all around the world and spawned multi-award-winning adaptations for stage and screen.

Looking at The Gruffalo, Zog and the Flying Doctors, Princess Mirror-Belle, The Scarecrow's Wedding, Stick Man and The Paper Dolls, the programme uncovers the surprising stories behind how Julia's iconic characters were created and what they mean to a generation of readers. It also explores why Donaldson’s books appeal to both children and adults alike – tackling serious themes of love, loss, fear and bullying in a poignant but subtle way.

Passages from Julia's much-loved books are read by Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton and James McAvoy, and contributors including David Walliams, Nadiya Hussain, Claudia Winkleman, Sophie Dahl, Victoria Coren Mitchell and Michael Rosen pay tribute to her talent.

49 minutes

On TV

Christmas Day 2024 07:10

Credits

Role Contributor
Featured Artist Julia Donaldson
Narrator Julie Walters
Reader Helena Bonham Carter
Reader Imelda Staunton
Reader James McAvoy
Interviewed Guest David Walliams
Interviewed Guest Nadiya Hussain
Interviewed Guest Claudia Winkleman
Interviewed Guest Sophie Dahl
Interviewed Guest Victoria Coren Mitchell
Interviewed Guest Michael Rosen
Interviewed Guest Axel Scheffler
Interviewed Guest Lydia Monks
Interviewed Guest Sara Ogilvie
Interviewed Guest Rebecca Cobb
Interviewed Guest Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Director Katy Homan
Executive Producer Tanya Hudson

Broadcasts

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