Julia Donaldson: Author is on a UK tour.
If you're an author with 10 million sales of your books up your sleeve, there's a pretty good chance people are going to pay attention.
And if you also happen to be the nation's Children’s Laureate on a library tour, there are worse things to do than a spot of campaigning too.
At least that seems to be the case for Glasgow's own Julia Donaldson, or 'Mrs Gruffalo' as she's maybe better known to those who read or have read her book.
This past month she has been touring libraries, reading and performing plays with thousands of Scottish schoolchildren.
It's been a chance for her to get involved in sparking the imagination of young readers, to get them in the book habit when it might matter most.
It ends on October 19 by which time she will have travelled from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
But she has also used it to campaign to the Westminster government over keeping libraries open, while basking in the delight of her audiences.
“It has been fantastic, ten times more enjoyable than I thought it was going to be,” said Julia, who has spent time with around 1100 young readers.
“Their enthusiasm, nervous anticipation and triumph when they have done their bit is so infectious. The library tour is about enjoying stories through drama.
“Some of the children don’t know about libraries. I will say ‘how much does it cost to get a book at a library?' They are gobsmacked when they find out it is free, and that you can borrow them.
“I hope to spread the word a bit.”
Earlier this month, Julia used her considerable clout as Children’s Laureate and author of one of the most popular books in recent history to urge new Culture Secretary Maria Miller MP to protect library services in Great Britain.
'Daleks'
Julia said: “I have not been at home so I don’t know what is on my doormat. I also sent the open letter by email, but have had no response.
“I pointed out in the letter that no campaigner is interested in the government just saying ‘we are monitoring the situation’ like a Dalek.
"We want some action.
“She (Ms Miller) only just got the post so I am hoping for a considered response. We will just have to wait and see.
“I’m hopeful anyway that it (the letter) has further raised awareness of libraries. Even if this government doesn’t respond positively, then it could help get them thrown out and another lot could come in and do better.”
Julia believes the situation is better in Scotland than the rest of the UK, with organisations like the Scottish Book Trust helping to keep reading at the forefront of our cultural scene.
However, she argues, there is no room for complacency.
“I have been visiting libraries in Scotland for the past 20 years. Even during the boom years, when there was supposed to be money around, libraries have definitely been shrinking and I have found there has been a reshuffle, which always means cutbacks.
“What I am doing is drawing attention to the plight of libraries. This tour is meant to be a celebration of libraries.”
Superworm
One picture book children will soon have the chance to enjoy in libraries is Superworm, Julia’s latest collaboration with illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Released this month, she delights in outlining what young readers can look forward to.
“I have never done a superhero book before, and the illustrator Axel Scheffler is fantastic at creating bugs and creepy crawlies,” she said.
“I thought I will put the two together and have a superhero who is a worm, and he turns into different things but then he gets captured by evil wizard lizard. I will leave the story there!”
Julia estimates that Superworm is her 165th book.
With such a body of work, and with the considerable title of Children’s Laureate, is she ever frustrated that she is only known to many for The Gruffalo?
The picture book about a mouse’s walk in the woods has sold over 10 million copies and has been successfully adapted for stage and screen.
The latest version of the work, a translation by James Robertson into Scots, was released in August.
“It is a fantastic translation by James Robertson,” said Julia.
“It is great to immerse the children in their Scottish heritage.
“I have to be grateful to The Gruffalo because I can use it as a trampoline for my other work.”
She has some new plays set for release in January and a new website - www.picturebookplays.co.uk - for teachers to help dramatise picture books in the classroom.
And one of her other novels is being prepared for dramatisation and will make its stage debut in Glasgow.
She said: “A teenage novel I have written set in Glasgow called Running on the Cracks is being made into a play and will have its debut at the Tron Theatre.
“Maybe I will be able to shed The Gruffalo when that comes out.”
Laughing, she adds: “Being Children’s Laureate is good from that point of view.
“Sometimes, I get called ‘The Children’s Laureate’ instead of ‘Mrs Gruffalo’.”
