Life

Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler to appear at special Twickenham event for new book

By Francesca Montero
November 2 2019, 12.25

Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler will read his latest book with Julia Donaldson alongside Helen Baxendale in Twickenham next month.

The live readings of Axel’s new book The Smeds and The Smoos will take place on Saturday November 16 at St Stephen’s Church in aid of Environment Trust, of which Friends actress Helen is a patron.

Axel will be drawing some of his most famous characters, the Gruffalo, Stickman, Snail and the Whale and will teach children to draw them too.

Lucia Pekarova, events officer at Environment Trust said: “The Gruffalo has captured children’s imaginations since it was first published 20 years ago.

“We’re delighted to be giving parents and their children a rare opportunity to hear Axel Scheffler read from his fabulous new book The Smeds and the Smoos and bring the glorious love story of alien folk alive.”

The Smeds and the Smoos is a heart-warming tale set in outer space, of two alien species: the blue Smoos and the red Smeds, who never mix until they fall in love.

Axel will be signing books purchased on the day and books brought from home (one per household) making it a great opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts for children.

The event is ideal for children aged three to 12 years, and those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are £9 for adults and children and all proceeds from the event will enable south west London-based charity Environment Trust to conserve wildlife in the local area.

Lucia said: “People can start their Christmas shopping at the event with books and plenty of stocking fillers for sale as well as free stickers, postcards and bookmarks.

“We encourage families to attend what promises to be a really magical event in the run up to the festive season.”

For more information and to book tickets click here and about Environment Trust visit: www.environmenttrust.org

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