Description

The Royal Mint launched the commemorative coins celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo’s Child, which was first published in 2004.

The Gruffalo's Child is a beloved British children's picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It serves as a charming sequel to the bestseller The Gruffalo, continuing the adventure with the Gruffalo's curious daughter. Against her father's warnings, she ventures into the deep dark woods in search of the "big bad mouse," a creature her father fears. Throughout her journey, she encounters various woodland creatures who each point her towards the mysterious mouse, only for her to discover they have been deceiving her. In a clever twist, the little mouse from the original story outsmarts her by creating a terrifying shadow, reinforcing the theme of intelligence over strength. This story is told through Donaldson’s engaging rhyming text and brought to life with Scheffler's enchanting illustrations, blending humor and suspense for young readers.

The book has been well-received by both critics and audiences, praised for its witty storytelling, rhythmic prose, and charming artwork. It was honored as the Children's Book of the Year at the 2005 National Book Awards and has been described by BookTrust as retaining "all the charm of the original." Reviewers have highlighted Scheffler's ability to render the Gruffalo and his daughter as endearing rather than frightening, adding a playful tone to the narrative. The Gruffalo's Child has also been adapted into a popular stage production that has toured the UK since 2005, as well as a 2011 animated film, further cementing its status as a classic in children's literature. Through these adaptations, the story's themes of curiosity, bravery, and cleverness continue to captivate audiences of all ages.