If you have a little one, it’s likely that you’ve read at least one of Julia Donaldson‘s picture books, and probably on repeat due to her simple rhymes and fun characters that are perfect for getting children interested in reading. And with beautiful illustrations by Axel Scheffler, her books have always been a favourite in our house.
This Christmas, BBC One are airing all of the short film adaptations of her books, including the new premier of Zog. Here’s a list of what films are on and when you can catch them:
Sunday 23rd December
Room on the Broom @ 3pm
To the annoyance of her cat, a kindly witch allows a dog, a bird and a frog to ride on her broomstick after they help her retrieve things she has lost. But the broom is destroyed by a fire-breathing dragon who threatens to eat the witch, as the creatures band together to save her.
The voice cast includes Simon Pegg, Gillian Anderson, Rob Brydon, Timothy Spall, Martin Clunes, Sally Hawkins, and David Walliams.
Tuesday 25th December
The Gruffalo @ 9am
The most popular book in the series, The Gruffalo follows a cunning mouse who goes for a walk in the forest, where he outwits a succession of predators by telling them that he is going to meet the terrifying (but supposedly fictitious) Gruffalo.
The voice cast includes Helena Bonham Carter, James Corden, Tom Wilkinson, John Hurt, Rob Brydon, and Robbie Coltrane.
The Gruffalo’s Child @ 9.25am
A spin-off fo The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child follows a little Gruffalo who ignores her father’s warnings and tiptoes out into the snow in search of the Big Bad Mouse.
The voice cast includes Helena Bonham Carter, Shirley Henderson, Robbie Coltrane, Rob Brydon, John Hurt, Tom Wilkinson, and James Corden
Zog @ 4.50pm
This brand new adaptation follows a young accident-prone dragon named Zog, keeps getting himself in trouble while learning how to fly, breathe fire, roar and fight knights in his first four years at dragon school. Zog wants to be the best student, but his next mission is to capture a princess.
The voice cast includes Kit Harington, Lenny Henry, Hugh Skinner, and Tracey Ullman.
Wednesday 26th December
The Highway Rat @ 3.15pm
The Highway Rat follows a greedy rat who travels the highway stealing all of the travellers’ food. But a crafty duck and her mysterious sister soon put an end to his crooked ways.
The voice cast includes David Tennant, Rob Brydon, Tom Hollander, and Frances de la Tour.
Friday 28th December
Stick Man @ 3.15pm
Stick Man (my favourite!) follows a wooden stick who lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three. When he is accidentally picked up, he finds himself on an epic adventure across the seasons. Will he get back to his family in time for Christmas?
The voice cast includes Martin Freeman, Jennifer Saunders, Rob Brydon, Russell Tovey, and Sally Hawkins.
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