Jersey Festival of Words stages online auction for artwork from ‘The Gruffalo’ illustrator

FANS of beloved children’s book The Gruffalo now have a chance to own an original artwork by the illustrator who brought the classic character to life.

A silent online auction staged by the Jersey Festival of Words will feature four unique pictures donated by Axel Scheffler, one of the stars of this year’s 10th anniversary festival in September. Funds from the auction will buy books for Island children who rarely, if ever, have access to them.

The artist’s work has been combined with the words of author Julia Donaldson to create stories loved by generations, and he gave the Festival four colour drawings he created for his sold-out performance at the Freedom Centre. They will be registered on Bailiwick Auctions and the lots will be live for bidding between 8 and 15 December.

Jersey Festival of Words organisers hailed the 2025 programme as the most successful ever in all respects and highlighted that importance of bringing books to children whose families cannot always afford to buy them.

Through a partership with local reading charity, Every Child Our Future, a record number of books were gifted to children attending the festival, alongside more than 1,000 Jèrriais editions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

In addition, donated second-hand books were given to nursery age children attending the festival’s multi-lingual storytelling sessions in Millennium Park.

Festival chair Lucy Cotter said: “It has been inspiring to see this year’s festival reach more young readers than ever before. Being able to gift books to children who might not otherwise have them is one of the most meaningful parts of our work, and Axel’s beautiful illustrations will help us go even further. We’re incredibly grateful for his support and excited to see the difference these funds will make.”

The ten-day programme broke all previous records for attendances, revenue, sales and gifts of books and engagement with schools. The festival featured more than 70 events, with venues including the Freedom Centre, the Arts Centre, Jersey Zoo, the Harbour Gallery and the Société Jersiaise.

Festival director Pippa Le Quesne said: “As the Jersey Festival of Words marks its tenth anniversary, it’s remarkable to see how it has grown from a modest literary gathering into a vibrant, Islandwide celebration of storytelling.

“Over the past decade, the festival has expanded its programme, welcomed an ever-wider range of voices and strengthened its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Ten years on, it stands as a true cornerstone of Jersey’s cultural life.”

As well as Axel Scheffler, visiting stars at this year’s festival included Slow Horses creator Mick Herron, poet Brian Bilston, comedian Helen Lederer, thriller writer Elly Griffiths, memoirist John Harris and bestselling historical novelist Kate Mosse.

Festival patron and best-selling crime writer Peter James said: “I’m delighted how my first year as patron has been. We attracted a stellar list of writers, both internationally and from our Island, great audiences and very positive feedback from our generous sponsors.”

The group chief executive of principal corporate sponsor Highvern, Martin Hall, described the event as “nothing short of spectacular.”

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