A Squash and a Squeeze: Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson

This brand new exhibition will bring Julia Donaldson’s captivating stories to life. Find out how she wrote modern classics such as The Gruffalo, Princess Mirror-Belle and The Troll and most recently The Highway Rat and explore original artwork by her many illustrators – most famously Axel Scheffler.

Follow her journey from song writer for children’s television to current Children’s Laureate. See how she inspires her readers with story rhyme and rhythm. Children and their families can share stories and explore sensory environments based on Donaldson’s books.

Follow in Toddle Waddle’s footsteps, climb into the cave with The Cave Baby and meet The Gruffalo. Sing-a-long to her songs on Julia’s Jukebox or perform a play on our stage.

Julia Donaldson said:

“I am thrilled that my work, and that of my illustrators, is to be presented in such a stimulating and child-friendly way, with so many mini-words and activities. Because of my love of drama and song, I am particularly excited about the theatre and the juke box!”

Kate Edwards, Chief Executive at Seven Stories said:

“We are delighted to be working with Julia to bring many of her much loved stories and characters to life within this exhibition in groundbreaking and interactive ways. We will also explore the importance of rhythm and rhyme in language acquisition. This not to be missed exhibition will delight her huge following of fans and will also attract new audiences to her ever popular books and songs.”

Seven Stories will explore the impact sharing stories has on child development through learning projects in partnership with Action for Children and children with hearing impairments.

ITV Signed Stories have worked with Seven Stories to produce signed films of some of Julia’s popular stories within the exhibition.
Malcolm Wright, Managing Director ITV SignPost said:

“ITV Signed Stories is proud to partner Seven Stories and Julia Donaldson to bring her wonderful stories to life in British Sign Language. Julia and Seven Stories are valued supporters of www.signedstories.com, and we’re delighted to be involved in the exhibition raising awareness of deafness and celebrating diversity through children’s books.”