Writer behind The Gruffalo returns to school which helped shape beloved book

The Gruffalo writer Julia Donaldson returned to a Scottish primary school as she kick-started the 25th anniversary celebrations of the much-loved picture book.

Ms Donaldson first visited Auchterhouse Primary School in Angus in the late 1990s where she introduced her then unpublished story to the pupils.

During her original visit, Ms Donaldson read her story and asked the children to draw pictures of what they thought The Gruffalo would look like.

She promised that if the story was ever published, she would dedicate it to them – and to this day they are celebrated at the front of every edition.

Since being published in 1999, The Gruffalo has been translated into 107 languages and dialects, and along with the sequel The Gruffalo’s Child, has sold more than 18 million copies around the world.

Returning to the primary on Wednesday, the pupils were treated to a short talk by Ms Donaldson and a performance of the story.

The children were also gifted a special signed 25th-anniversary edition of the book.

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Guests included the school’s ex-head teacher and former pupils from the time of the original visit.

The event was arranged by the Scottish Book Trust, which was instrumental in bringing Ms Donaldson to Scotland all those years ago.

Ms Donaldson said: “Scottish Book Trust has been doing great work for 25 years supporting children with literacy and improving access to books.

“The charity began its 25th anniversary celebrations late last year and it is fitting they are here to celebrate The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday today.

“In fact, I have continued to work with the charity regularly since then and am very pleased that The Gruffalo is leading their ongoing winter appeal and helping children and families at a time when books and stories are needed more than ever.”

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The Scottish Book Trust’s ongoing appeal – backed by Ms Donaldson, The Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books – has so far distributed more than 35,000 books to youngsters and families in need via food banks and community hubs across Scotland.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Access to books is absolutely essential for a child’s development and wellbeing, and for many the only books they have at home are the ones that have been given to them by Scottish Book Trust.

“Books make a huge difference to daily lives, bringing comfort, escapism and togetherness in families, and this is especially important during winter months.”

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