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FOUND: 2 | Mind Blowing Facts

Helen Mirren hails restoration of Second World War cello that was ‘cruelly’ broken by Nazis

The cello belongs to Denville Hall, a north London care home for entertainment industry professionals

The Independent UK

Helen Mirren hails ‘fantastic’ cello restoration on The Repair Shop

Dame Helen wished to see it restored so that it could be used at a north London care home.

Evening Standard

BBC confirms special broadcast for Christmas period

IN FULL

The Independent UK

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Beloved children’s characters to return to the BBC this Christmas

The Gruffalo, Zog, Pearl, and Gadabout will also feature as part of the build-up to this year’s Christmas special

The Independent UK

The Gruffalo and friends to feature in new BBC Christmas idents

Three new advertising idents have been created for BBC One starring the much-loved characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s story books.

Evening Standard

Christmas Day 2025: BBC schedule today, from Call the Midwife to Amandaland

From festive specials of much-loved shows to new dramas and family-friendly viewing, the BBC has got Christmas covered

The Independent UK

Wicked star Jonathan Bailey to read CBeebies Bedtime Story

The award-winning actor reads Julia Donaldson’s classic book Room On The Broom.

Evening Standard

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Dame Helen Mirren to appear on The Repair Shop to restore Second World War instrument

The instrument belongs to Denville Hall, a north London care home for entertainment industry professionals, which Dame Helen supports

The Independent UK

Dame Helen Mirren to appear on The Repair Shop for cello restoration

Author Julia Donaldson and actor Rob Brydon will also visit the experts to get their special treasures mended and fixed in time for Christmas.

Evening Standard

From Cate Blanchett to Russell Crowe: Who is in the Royal Box on Wimbledon day two?

Actors, sports stars and presenters will be rubbing shoulders in the Royal Box

The Independent UK

‘We think Princess Pearl is a feminist icon’: readers’ favourite Julia Donaldson books

Characters who challenge stereotypes, stories that stimulate little ones’ vocabulary, endless laughter … and moments guaranteed to make any dad cry. Here are your takes on the work of a beloved children’s author

The Guardian - UK

The Scarecrows’ Wedding: cast, plot and everything we know

The Scarecrows’ Wedding is the latest festive animation by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer.

WhatToWatch

‘Oh no! It’s a Gruffalo!’ Julia Donaldson’s 15 best books – ranked!

Her rhyming tales have enchanted children and parents the world over – but which is the best? From a busker’s cat to a greedy rat, it’s time to rate the hits

The Guardian - UK

Parents: what is your child’s favourite Julia Donaldson book?

We would like to hear from parents about their child’s favourite Julia Donaldson story, and why

The Guardian - UK

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The Independent UK

The coin is available to buy from The Royal Mint’s website

Evening Standard

Children’s character Zog is celebrated on Royal Mint 50p coins

The 50p joins the Mint’s childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

The Guardian - UK

The Guardian view on the Gruffalo: a well-timed comeback, wart and all

Editorial: The next challenge for Julia Donaldson’s monster is to get its claws into parents and persuade more of them to read aloud

Euronews

Gruffalo set to return next year with first book in more than 20 years

British writer Julia Donaldson and German illustrator Axel Scheffler have announced they are working on a new outing for the monster in the deep dark wood...

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The Independent UK

Gruffalo to return in first new book in 20 years

The first two books from Julia Donaldson sold more than 18.2 million copies globally

Evening Standard

New Gruffalo picture book to be released next year

Children’s book duo author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler will work on the untitled Gruffalo story to be published in September 2026.

The Guardian - UK

Gruffalo to return with first new book in more than 20 years

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have announced they are working on a new outing for the monster in the deep dark wood, due out in September 2026

The Guardian - UK

Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels

A gosling grows up; a campaign to save trees; the impact of partition; thorny dilemmas; wearing a hijab in Essex and more

The Guardian - UK

A Squash and a Squeeze review – Donaldson and Scheffler favourite crammed with songs

Ingenious puppetry and jolly performances help animate the beloved story about an ever-expanding indoor menagerie

Evening Standard

BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine dresses up as The Gruffalo for World Book Day

The 59-year old presenter took part in the fancy dress day to celebrate his favourite children’s book character.

The Guardian - UK

Picture books for children – reviews

Laughter abounds with tales of mini beasts at bedtime, a box filled with babbling babies and an odd-couple comedy from Julia Donaldson

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Amandaland

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