Axel Scheffler And Julia Donaldson's Books Come To Life At Discover

Magic really does happen at DISCOVER CHILDREN'S STORY CENTRE as their new Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson exhibition brings 12 of their enchanting picture books to life. A World inside a Book - The Gruffalo, Dragons and other Creatures opens to the public on Saturday 21 October 2017 - September 2018. Press launch: Wednesday 18 October 2017 at 1000hrs.

Some of the most loved characters in children's literature will come together on their joyous and imaginative adventures, for all to step into and discover Julia and Axel's magical worlds.

Enter through a mystery porthole and: Once upon a time there was a boy called Charlie Cook who curled up in a cosy chair and read his favourite book.... A World inside a Book - The Gruffalo, Dragons and other Creatures has books bursting into life - A Squash and a Squeeze, The Smartest Giant in Town, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, Monkey Puzzle, Tiddler, Room on the Broom, The Highway Rat, Zog, The Gruffalo, The Snail and the Whale, Stick Man and Superworm. Their immersive landscapes include: a scaled down town for children to feel like giants; a humungous cow to feel tiny and squeeze around; The Highway Rat's cave with cave paintings and creatures in rocks; rock hop through the Monkey Puzzle jungle; activities with a frog, a bird, a cat, a dog and a witch - dressing up to take your seat on the broom with The Room On The Broom. Take the bridge over the sparkly river from Stick Man or visit the dark forest where a full size Gruffalo hides. And the sandy beach and the deep dark shimmering sea - taking children and their families on exciting journeys, meeting many characters and stories along the way.

Julia Donaldson says: "It's always exciting when someone takes our books in a different direction. We've had plays and films, and now this imaginative and interactive exhibition. I've visited Discover in the past and have seen how enthusiastically children react to it, so I can't wait for the opening?."

For the first time ever at DISCOVER as part of A World inside a Book - The Gruffalo, Dragons and other Creatures experience, there will be a gallery displaying Axel's original artwork. Axel has kindly lent DISCOVER some of his finest creations. Visitors will be able to see his process of bringing some of the UK's favourite characters to life on the page.

Axel Scheffler says: "Over the years I have always been very happy to visit and support the Discover Children's Story Centre. They do brilliant, important work promoting the joy of books and reading to children in East London. It is an honour to have my partnership with Julia Donaldson showcased in this immersive, interactive way."

DISCOVER will be running a year- long programme including Julia and Axel inspired events for 0-3s, film screenings and regular visits from The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog and The Highway Rat. And on Saturday 11 November, Julia and Axel will be at DISCOVER from 11am - 1.30pm, including a book signing.

Enter the magical world of Axel and Julia where you will discover well-loved characters, landscapes to explore and create your own stories.

Supported by: Telford Homes, Scholastic, Macmillan Children's Books and Magic Light Pictures.

Artwork by Axel Scheffler. Copyright © Julia Donaldson and A. Scheffler Ltd 2017

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