Episode 49 - The Gruffalo

If we are to assume that the point of this podcast is to shine a light on "classic" picture books and ascertain whether or not they deserve that designation, it's a short walk to doing the same for books from other countries. What better then than to consider a picture book that is MASSIVELY successful in England, and only mildly recognized in the States? As a reminder, it was listener Rebekah Harris-Hughes who should receive full credit for suggesting today's book. So thank you, Rebekah! Source Notes: -If you follow no other links in these source notes, you MUST listen to the Deep In Bear Country: Episode 156. I have never heard such insightful discussions of bullying in children's literature: https://berenstainbearcast.wordpress.com/2018/07/14/episode-156-the-bully/ - Do check out the Dean Forest and it's rather adorable Gruffalo Trail: https://www.deanheritagecentre.com/whats-on/gruffalo-trail - Further information on checking out the Gruffalo statues at Kilmardinny Loch: http://www.glasgowwithkids.co.uk/kilmardinny-loch-gruffalo-bearsden-glasgow-review/ - You'll have to pay YouTube to see the full film of this Best Animated Short nominee, but here are some clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHoyg_pwT2w - It is possible that the Chinese folktale this book borrowed its idea from is the 1921 collection The Chinese Fairy Book. A bit vague on the origins there, though: https://www.worldoftales.com/Asian_folktales/Chinese_Folktale_26.html - The Gruffalo website is a bit of a trip. Watch out for its theme song. It surprises you if you don't expect it: http://www.gruffalo.com/ - There really is a Gruffalo River Ride Adventure. Would we lie to you? https://www.chessington.com/gruffalo/ - And for those of you wondering, this is the tanuki. Awwww. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_raccoon_dog - For the full Show Notes, please visit http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2018/07/24/fuse-8-n-kate-everyone-poops-by-julia-donaldson-ill-axel-scheffler