The Gruffalo (The Gruffalo, 1) Board book – 6 April 2017

An absolute classic and must have for any child.Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler books are works of art. The stories are written beautifully, rhyming with a rhythm that sets the pace. This ensures that as an adult I do not get bored reading the same stories over and over again as the more familiar the story becomes the more I can work on my expression and how I deliver giving me almost as joyful an experience as that of my son listening to them. I feel excited when he brings me a book and then we can have a short bonding session over the story before he goes off to play again. The books describe simple everyday scenes and experiences that a child might encounter helping them make sense of the world around them, mixed with magical characters like dragons, witches, Santa etc.Alex Schefflers artwork is beautiful complements the stories perfectly. The same characters often pop up in different books, whether it be the Gruffalo Child’s stick man in his own story or simply a squirrel and a frog. This helps my son who is fifteen months old develop his own narrative. He does not understand the words I am reading but gets plenty from the rhythm and my intonation whilst building his own story and understanding from the pictures, he is always pointing different characters out to me or finding them when I ask where they are. He loves books and I think that these books enhance a joy of reading and learning. He brings the books to me time and time again.This particular story has a fantastic rhythm as the mouse ventures deeper into the deep dark wood. My son doesn't yet understand the words but with the pictures and the rhythm of the story combined with my expression and repitition, his understanding and enjoyment grows. I cannot imagine ever getting tired of reading this book to him.

Lovely colourful book good size pages

My daughter absolutely loves this book. The story is fun and engaging, and the illustrations are brilliant. We’ve read it so many times already. It’s definitely become a bedtime favourite. We love how all the pages are hard back so she can not rip any of them out!

Excellent choice of book for 2 year old.

Children loved this as its colourful, and rhythmic and the children really enjoyed the story and start to remember phrases in the book

My daughter loves it. 3yo

My grandson aged 8, will read this to his younger brother aged nearly 3, who has autism, and they will both enjoy it, so happy 😌😁 faces

Brilliant book. My Grandson loves it & he is not 3 till July.