BBC release Christmas idents featuring Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler characters
The BBC announced today that some of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved characters are to be at the centre of their Christmas offering this year.
Premiering on Sunday, 30 November, the series of three brand-new "The Gruffalo and Friends" idents will be broadcast throughout the entire Christmas period.
The idents will showcase some of Macmillan Children’s Books’ most successful titles to millions of viewers during one of the highest-rated television slots of the year.
The animated segments, produced by Magic Light Pictures, feature three distinct animated scenes, each incorporating key figures from Julia and Axel’s works:
- The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, alongside the much-loved protagonist Stick Man.
- Zog and the Flying Doctors (Zog, Pearl, and Gadabout), appearing with the resourceful Witch from Room on the Broom.
- Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley, the scarecrow couple from this year’s animated television special, The Scarecrows’ Wedding.
‘Magic Light have done the BBC proud and created three unforgettable idents that beautifully capture the festive spirit. Featuring a selection of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s most popular characters, I hope they will spread some extra joy and togetherness into homes across the UK.’
— Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer
The Gruffalo first entranced BBC audiences on Christmas Day 2009. Since then, Magic Light Pictures and the BBC have brought to life thirteen award-winning animated specials based on the beloved books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
To view the idents ahead of time, visit the BBC website.
New Gruffalo Picture Book
by Julia Donaldson
Return to the deep dark wood with the brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day,
“Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay.”
The Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child are getting ready for a visit from Gruffalo Granny! Will they get the better of the little brown mouse this time and serve Granny a delicious bowl of mouse stew – or will Mouse manage to outwit them once again?
'Evoking the anticipation a child feels when waiting for a loved one to visit . . . another surefire family favourite' – The Observer
'Featuring characters from Donaldson’s previous books and a wonderful twist, this beautiful addition to the series is simply superb' – Daily Mail
'An homage to the act of storytelling . . . a worthy addition to the Gruffalo canon' – The Independent
'The story delivers exactly the kind of fun, suspense and silliness young readers love' – The Sun
This joyful celebration of storytelling, wit and bravery features the return of much-loved characters and is destined to become a classic. As irresistibly funny and surprising as previous number one bestsellers The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, Gruffalo Granny deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.