We recently discovered “The Gruffalo” when it aired over Christmas-time this past year. I was initially nervous about letting our 2 year old watch this animated film, about a terribly impossible mythical beast, neither one of us had even heard of before. But now, we all know every word by heart, and the book and movie have become cherished classics in our home.

The book has been adapted into a 30-minute animated film, which was broadcast on BBC One in the UK on 25 December 2009. This new version features Robbie Coltrane in the title role and James Corden as the mouse as well as Helena Bonham Carter as the mother squirrel narator and Rob Brydon as the Snake. The production was animated at the award winning Studio Soi in Germany and produced through Magic Light Pictures. The film also has the voices of John Hurt as the Owl and Tom Wilkinson as the Fox. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Film (Animated) on January 25, 2011. (Read more about “The Gruffalo”)

Beautifully animated, with character designs that lovingly enhance the original whimsy of the book, “The Gruffalo” is a treat for the eyes and ears. The story is one of those perfect little narratives that begins and ends exactly in the same spot, with adventure, mystery, and suspense all wrapped up in between. If you haven’t seen it, give it a look see.

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© 2011, Joshua Budich. All artwork, and images of artwork are property of Joshua Budich. All rights reserved.