Meadowhall celebrates arrival of new Gruffalo book with weekend of free activities
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"We know how much families across Sheffield love The Gruffalo”
Free activities will be coming to Meadowhall this weekend to celebrate the publication of a new Gruffalo book.
More than 20 years since the last book in the beloved series, author Julia Donaldson is publishing a follow-up piece titled ‘Gruffalo Granny’.
And to celebrate the highly-anticipated release, Meadowhall has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to host a series of free activities this weekend.
Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: "We know how much families across Sheffield love The Gruffalo, so the new book felt like a brilliant reason to bring something special to the centre.
“This weekend is about more than hearing the new story - it's about giving children the chance to fall in love with reading and spark their imaginations, while supporting parents with ideas they can take home with them.
“It’s great to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust once again and we know from experience how events like this make a real difference to families across the region.”
Running each hour from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday September 12 and 13 in The Gallery - outside Next - the two-day event will give families the chance to enjoy storytelling sessions as well as separate drawing workshops led by a local illustrator.
A total of 200 copies of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child will also be available for children to take home and enjoy with their families after the sessions thanks to a donation from Macmillan Children’s Books.
Ahead of the events, Waterstones is hosting a Gruffalo hunt and colouring activities on Thursday, September 10, with more throughout the weekend.
Kirsty MacDonald, head of early years at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Sharing a story together is a powerful way for families to develop children’s early language and literacy skills, whilst inspiring a lifelong love of reading and stories.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Meadowhall to continue to bring the magic of The Gruffalo and the impact of our Early Words Matter campaign to families in Sheffield.”
‘Gruffalo Granny’ is now available to purchase online from the Waterstones website, in Waterstones Meadowhall, or Waterstones, Orchard Square.
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