Children love The Gruffalo, that’s a fact (Even I was star struck when he visited my bookshop). Or any other book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffer. As a former bookseller I must have over the years sold hundreds, if not thousands, of their books single-handedly, from – A Squash and a Squeeze, The Smartest Giant in Town, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Monkey Puzzle, Tiddler, Room on the Broom, The Highway Rat, Zog, The Gruffalo, The Snail and the Whale, Stick Man to Superworm. Their award winning partnership has been going since 1993 and every new book is eagerly awaited by their little fans.
Now imagine a magical place where all these books come alive.
Well, I have good news, because from today there is such a place, as the Discover Children’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford open its doors to the new Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson exhibition which brings 12 of their enchanting picture books to life. A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures opens to the public from Saturday 21 October 2017 – September 2018.
Enter through a secret porthole and A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures has books bursting into life. The immersive landscapes include a scaled down town for children to feel like giants; a humungous cow to feel tiny and squeeze around; The Highway Rat’s cave with cave paintings and creatures in rocks; rock hop through the Monkey Puzzle jungle; activities fish the bugs out of the wishing well, dressing up to take your seat on the broom with The Room On The Broom. Take the bridge over the sparkly river from Stick Man or visit the dark forest where a full size Gruffalo hides. And the sandy beach and the deep dark shimmering sea to meet The Snail and the Whale – taking children and their families on exciting journeys, meeting many characters and stories along the way.
Julia Donaldson says: “It’s always exciting when someone takes our books in a different direction. We’ve had plays and films, and now this imaginative and interactive exhibition. I’ve visited Discover in the past and have seen how enthusiastically children react to it, so I can’t wait for the opening.”
Also, as part of A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures experience, there will be a gallery displaying Axel’s original artwork for the first time ever, with Axel kindly lending DISCOVER some of his finest creations.
Axel Scheffler says: “Over the years I have always been very happy to visit and support the Discover Children’s Story Centre. They do brilliant, important work promoting the joy of books and reading to children in East London. It is an honour to have my partnership with Julia Donaldson showcased in this immersive, interactive way.”
DISCOVER will be running a year- long programme including Julia and Axel inspired events for 0-3s, film screenings and regular visits from The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog and The Highway Rat.
Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson visit: Saturday 11 November 2017 at 10.30am + 11.45am.
There will be two queue sessions, at 10:30am and 11:45am.
Tickets are £5 per family which includes a free paperback book (from a set selection) or £5 off a hardback book, plus each family can bring one book from home to be signed. Maximum two books per family.
MEET The Highway Rat who will be around to entertain queuers – and take photos!
For more information and T&Cs please visit: www.discover.org.uk/all-events
Supported by: Telford Homes, Macmillan Children’s Books, Scholastic and Magic Light Pictures.
Dates: Saturday 21 October 2017 until September 2018
Public Sessions:
Monday – Thursday:
Lunch time sessions: 12pm to 1pm
After school sessions: 3pm and 4pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions: 10.15am, 11.05am, 11.55am, 12.45pm, 1.35pm, 2.25pm, 3.15pm, 4.05pm.
School Holidays (based on Newham School Holidays)
Monday – Sunday:
Sessions: 10.15am, 11.05am, 11.55am, 12.45pm, 1.35pm, 2.25pm, 3.15pm, 4.05pm
School Sessions – available to book:
Monday – Thursday
Morning sessions: 10.15am to 11.45am
Afternoon sessions: 1.00pm to 2.30pm
Prices include admission to all of Discover’s areas – Story World, Story Garden and Exhibition:
Adult: £8 (Concessions and Newham Residents: £7)
Child: £8 (Concessions and Newham Residents: £7)
Children aged 1-2: £2 (Under 1s: FREE)
Family of four: £28 (Concession/Newham Resident family of four: £24)
Annual Pass Holders £1.50
PLUS:
October Half Term, Monday 23 October – Friday 27 October 11:30am (needs to be booked but is included in the price of entry to Discover)
The Gruffalo Film Screening
All ages
Come and see the popular story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, explored in our new exhibition, on the big screen.
Saturday 16 December – Sunday 23 December 2017
11:30am & 2pm (needs to be booked but is included in the price of entry to Discover)
Stick Man Film Screening
All ages
Enjoy this heart-warming adaptation of the popular story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and maybe even meet Stick Man on our Story World!
The Discover Children’s Story Centre
383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ
The jewel in the crown of children’s literature in Stratford London.
To book please call 020 8536 5555 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm or book online at www.discover.org.uk
For more about Julia and Alex visit www.juliadonaldson.co.uk and www.axelscheffler.com and www.gruffalo.com
London-Olios 