If you’re a fan of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture books – think The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog – you’ll love the idea of seeing their characters brought to life in 3D. A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures turned their best-loved stories into a walk-through exhibition, and it’s the kind of family day out that sticks in a child’s memory long after they’ve grown out of the books.
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Julia Donaldson books were the absolute favourite bedtime read in our house. Given the choice, it was always What the Ladybird Heard, The Scarecrow’s Wedding, Tiddler, Zog or Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book – and if my daughter had let me, I’d probably still be reading them now.
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What to Expect at the Julia Donaldson Exhibition
Photo: Suzi Corker
The exhibition took visitors into a brilliant 3D world built around the work of Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
It began in the cosy sitting room of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, settling families down for a story – but look closely, because there’s always something extra hiding on the bookshelf.
From there, visitors crept into a world of forests, miniature houses, dragons and other creatures. Could you spot The Gruffalo? Could you Squash and Squeeze around a life-sized cow? What was that flying overhead – could it be Zog?
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The exhibition was designed with families in mind, particularly under-8s, who could enjoy being The Smartest Giant in Town, climbing through The Highway Rat‘s cave, rock-hopping through the Monkey Puzzle jungle, and discovering the underwater worlds of Tiddler and The Snail and the Whale. There was even a seat for the ride of a lifetime aboard Room on the Broom.
Tickets included arts and crafts activities, giving budding young artists the chance to make their own Julia Donaldson-inspired mini masterpiece to take home.
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Gruffalo Birthday Parties
Julia Donaldson-themed birthday parties have also been on offer at some venues linked to the exhibition and its characters – a fun idea if you’re planning a party for a preschooler who can’t get enough of the Gruffalo, Zog or their friends. If a Gruffalo party sounds like the kind of serious parenting brownie points you’re after, it’s worth asking your local venue whether they currently offer something similar.
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Do you have any big Julia Donaldson fans in your house – what are your favourite books? Leave a comment below and let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
More Julia Donaldson Fun
Loved this? You might also enjoy our roundup of the best Julia Donaldson books, our Gruffalo trail guide, and our pick of the 100 best bedtime stories recommended by parents.
Can’t make it to an exhibition right now? Browse our full collection of Julia Donaldson and Gruffalo-themed activities, or save this article to come back to next time you’re planning a family day out.
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