Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books
Publication Date: January 1, 1999
Genre: Picture book, children's book
Other books in the series:
The Gruffalo's Child
Other books in the series:
The Gruffalo's Child
How I Got It: the library
Goodreads Summary:
Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when the quick-thinking mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake "and" a hungry gruffalo .
While walking through "the deep dark wood" the mouse is stopped by a hungry fox, owl, and snake. In an effort to avoid becoming lunch, the quick witted mouse replies that he's about to meet with his friend the gruffalo.
With increasingly worrisome descriptions (worrisome for the animals, not young children), and mentions of the gruffalo's favorite food that just happen to be the animal in front of the mouse, each one decides it's time to leave. The mouse is just delighted. Don't these silly animals know, "there's no such thing as a gruffalo?" And the mouse continues on his happy way until...
It turns out that the gruffalo thinks the mouse would taste good on a bread. In an effort to not get eaten, the mouse tries to convince the gruffalo that he's quite scary and should be left alone.
The two retrace the mouse's steps, once again running into the snake, owl, and fox. Each animal sees the gruffalo, wishes the mouse a good day, and promptly runs away. The gruffalo's doubt disappears and he runs off when the mouse mentions that his favorite food is gruffalo crumble. Finally the mouse is left to enjoy a nut in peace.
When The Gruffalo was published in 1999, it became an instant children's classic in the UK. Having been translated into several languages, its a popular children's book all over the world. I had never paid much attention to it. Published at a time that I was no longer reading picture books, I didn't encounter it until I became a librarian. Even then teachers always used it in the class rooms so I never created a lesson or activity based on it. I knew everybody liked it, I'd read it very quickly and knew it was cute, so I'd recommend it but... The Gruffalo just didn't stand out. Apparently it just wasn't the right time for the two of us to connect.
This past year my friend Mira bought The Gruffalo for her 3 year old daughter, Kiira. She loved it and requested the book so often that Kiira eventually memorized it. She would come over and "read" the story to me- it was adorable. A few months later I was looking for some videos for my son and I came across The Gruffalo Movie by Magic Light Pictures and Studio Soi. The trailer looked great, and I loved the fact that the animation looked exactly like Scheffler's illustrations. I rented the movie from iTunes and it was fantastic! My son loved, Kiira came over and loved it, I even loved it. The movie was so faithful to the book, and the bits that were added to help tell a better visual story fit perfectly with Donaldson's original version. Hands down, this is the best book-to-movie adaptation I have ever seen.
Unlike the Scholastic video adaptations of books that are rigidly faithful to the original story and dry as dust, this movie retained the life and magic of the The Gruffalo. I did a bit of research and it turns out that Studio Soi worked very closely with Donaldson during the creation of the movie. Not only was she one of the writers who adapted the book for film, but they based a lot of their characterization on how she had read the book to the animators. With a wonderful cast including Helena Bonham Carter, fabulous animation, and a story that captures the spirit of the book, it's easy to see why this is an award winning short film (even nominated for an Oscar). I bought the movie from iTunes and ordered the DVD for the school library. It's a quieter film, a great way to help my son wind down after an active day. He likes to act out scenes and will follow along in his board book version of The Gruffalo (purchased after he fell in love with the movie).
"A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?"
"A gruffalo! Why didn't you know?"
"He has terrible tusks, and terrible claws,
and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws."
With increasingly worrisome descriptions (worrisome for the animals, not young children), and mentions of the gruffalo's favorite food that just happen to be the animal in front of the mouse, each one decides it's time to leave. The mouse is just delighted. Don't these silly animals know, "there's no such thing as a gruffalo?" And the mouse continues on his happy way until...
"...Oh!
But who is this creature with terrible claws
And terrible teeth in his terrible jas?
He has knobbly knees and turned-out toes
Anda poisonous wart at the end of his nose.
His Eyes are orange, his tongue is black;
He has purple prickles all over his back.
Oh help! Oh no!
It's a gruffalo!"
It turns out that the gruffalo thinks the mouse would taste good on a bread. In an effort to not get eaten, the mouse tries to convince the gruffalo that he's quite scary and should be left alone.
"Good?" said the mouse. "Don't call me good!"
I'm the scariest creature in this wood.
Just walk behind me and soon you'll see,
Everyone is afraid of me."
The two retrace the mouse's steps, once again running into the snake, owl, and fox. Each animal sees the gruffalo, wishes the mouse a good day, and promptly runs away. The gruffalo's doubt disappears and he runs off when the mouse mentions that his favorite food is gruffalo crumble. Finally the mouse is left to enjoy a nut in peace.
When The Gruffalo was published in 1999, it became an instant children's classic in the UK. Having been translated into several languages, its a popular children's book all over the world. I had never paid much attention to it. Published at a time that I was no longer reading picture books, I didn't encounter it until I became a librarian. Even then teachers always used it in the class rooms so I never created a lesson or activity based on it. I knew everybody liked it, I'd read it very quickly and knew it was cute, so I'd recommend it but... The Gruffalo just didn't stand out. Apparently it just wasn't the right time for the two of us to connect.
 |
| The Kid "reading" along with the movie before bed |
Unlike the Scholastic video adaptations of books that are rigidly faithful to the original story and dry as dust, this movie retained the life and magic of the The Gruffalo. I did a bit of research and it turns out that Studio Soi worked very closely with Donaldson during the creation of the movie. Not only was she one of the writers who adapted the book for film, but they based a lot of their characterization on how she had read the book to the animators. With a wonderful cast including Helena Bonham Carter, fabulous animation, and a story that captures the spirit of the book, it's easy to see why this is an award winning short film (even nominated for an Oscar). I bought the movie from iTunes and ordered the DVD for the school library. It's a quieter film, a great way to help my son wind down after an active day. He likes to act out scenes and will follow along in his board book version of The Gruffalo (purchased after he fell in love with the movie).
The Gruffalo is a delightful rhyming book that younger children really enjoy. The general silliness of the story really appeals them. The clever mouse takes on a large world filled with predators but his wits always save the day. Kids love when he actually runs into a real gruffalo. Try this one out from your school or public library, your child will enjoy it. The movie is absolutely fabulous, again, the best book-to-movie adaptation I have ever seen. The Gruffalo Movie is available to rent or buy on iTunes, but I'm sure you can find it Netflix or similar services.
Related Links:
The official Gruffalo website, filled activities and games can be found HERE
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