Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel has added a few new pages and scenes to this popular story that is loved by many to reflect our current times with scenes that we might find familiar in our daily lives.
In this reimagining of some of their most famous characters for the COVID-19 era, you can expect to see fun characters such as a witch to the mouse either struggling with the trials and tribulations of the pandemic or expressing thoughts that we might have found ourselves repeating during the COVID period.
Gruffalo gets a COVID update
The Gruffalo is the story of a quick-witted mouse who run into a host of predators who seem to think he might make a tasty treat. The mouse spins the tale of a scary Gruffalo who the mouse then realises might not be so imaginary after all.
In the variation, Donaldson and Axel retell the scene of what would have happened if the mouse were to be invited to tea by the snake. Perhaps saying “two households may not mix” would have been a valid reason to reject the offer.
Squash and a Squeeze gets a COVID update
Another update they did was on their 1993 picture book A Squash and a Squeeze. This is the first title the pair worked on together. Now, all the animals are all masked as the old lady pleads: “Wise old man, won’t you tell me, please. When will it be over, this viral disease?”
Room on the Broom gets a COVID update
Another fun quote includes the witch from Room on the Broom. Instead of shooting off on her broomstick as she does in the picture book, Donaldson and Scheffler have reimagined her stuck at home on Zoom, pleading for “somebody real in my room”. We look forward to the day we can hang out with friends and family in real life too!
You can see the full list of pictures at the link here.
