Gruffalo sculpture, Whinlatter Forest National Park, Lake District

© Philip Moran/Alamy Stock Phot

Sleeping away World Book Day. World Book Day

On World Book Day, children across the UK will recognise this monstrous individual with his “terrible tusks and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws” as the Gruffalo, the antagonist of Julia Donaldson’s bestselling picture book. First published in 1999, The Gruffalo has since sold more than 13 million copies, won various literary prizes, been developed into plays and an animated film and has carved out its place as a family favourite on the nation’s bookshelf.

Speaking of carving, our homepage Gruffalo is sleeping the day away in Whinlatter Forest Park in Cumbria. It’s one of many Gruffalo trails dotted around various forests across the UK, often accompanied by an app which brings the characters to life, digitally. So if you’re looking for another way to enjoy a children’s classic, maybe a family stroll in the forest beckons? If there are none handy, you can always tuck into your favourite read at bedtime. Happy World Book Day!