Celebrate the Gruffalo with The Royal Society for Blind Children

Join a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!

Article Source: The Royal Society for Blind Children
Last Updated: 26 July 2024 9:51

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) has teamed up with publisher Macmillan Children’s Books to host a special audio book session for blind and partially sighted children to join in the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the classic children’s book, The Gruffalo.

On Wednesday 21st August, the leading charity for vision impaired children and young people is dedicating its Audio Book Club to the much-loved story written by author Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Held on Zoom, the session will accommodate up to 150 attendees and include listening to The Gruffalo audio book, read by renowned actor Imelda Staunton. Afterwards, children and their families will come together to discuss the book, talking about what makes this classic story so special and what it means to them.

Everyone attending will receive a free digital copy of The Gruffalo audio book*. In addition, families with a child under 5 will be given a free sensory story guide with prop suggestions to make the story interactive and tactile, and the first 30 families with children under 5 to register will also be given a copy of The Gruffalo Touch and Feel Book.

Carla Rose-Hardman, RSBC services director, said: “We’re delighted to work with Macmillan Children’s Books to bring The Gruffalo’s story to children with vision impairment as part of the 25th birthday celebrations. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic book is for everyone, no matter how old they are or the level of vision they have. We’ve made sure that there are a variety of options so that everyone can enjoy the Audio Book Session to the full.

“And our sensory story guide will give families tips and suggestions for everyday items to gather from around the house and garden that will really bring The Gruffalo to life for the under-5’s.”

Macmillan Children’s Books Managing Director Alison Ruane shares her thoughts on this exciting collaboration: “We are delighted to be partnering with RSBC as part of our mission to ensure all children can access and enjoy the much-loved story of The Gruffalo, as we celebrate 25 years since its first publication.”

Register for the Gruffalo event at www.rsbc.org.uk

For more information on RSBC and its support for vision impaired children and young people visit www.rsbc.org.uk, telephone 020 3198 0225, or email connections@rsbc.org.uk

*Up to a maximum of 150 attendees.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.

Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.