Donaldson and Scheffler back Scottish Book Trust Christmas appeal

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are backing the Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas appeal, which will gift books to children and families visiting food banks for the third year.

Donaldson, Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books have given the charity permission to use illustrations from The Gruffalo’s Child (Macmillan Children’s Books) to help support and raise awareness of the charity’s Christmas appeal.

Marking its 25th anniversary in 2023, Scottish Book Trust works to tackle inequality and break the poverty cycle through access to books and reading. Since 2020, it has distributed over 290,000 books to children and families in need through food banks, community hubs and other charities across Scotland.

Donaldson said: "Scottish Book Trust has been doing great work for 25 years supporting children with literacy and improving access to books. The charity has just beaten The Gruffalo by one year, as he is going to be 25 next year. In fact, the Gruffalo’s origins go back to when I first tried the story out in various primary schools in Scotland, under the wing of Scottish Book Trust.

"I have continued to work with the charity regularly since then and am very pleased that The Gruffalo’s Child is leading their Christmas appeal this year and helping children and families at a time when books and stories are needed more than ever."

Scheffler added: "I am very happy that The Gruffalo’s Child is at the centre of Scottish Book Trust’s fundraising campaign this Christmas. Enjoying books together is important for families and it is terrible that many children still have no access to books — and that this need is becoming ever greater. I hope that many people will support this Christmas appeal, so that Scottish Book Trust can increase their work in making a difference to children’s lives in Scotland."

Marc Lambert, c.e.o. of the Scottish Book Trust, commented: "Christmas is looking stark for many families across Scotland. Access to books is absolutely essential for a child’s development and wellbeing, and for many the only books they have at home are the ones that have been given to them by Scottish Book Trust... donations to our appeal will provide vital support for those most in need."

Moreover, BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, is also launching its Christmas appeal and is again working to provide books to disadvantaged children and those living in care. Each curated parcel provided by the charity will also include a bookmark and a poster illustrated by Fiona Lumbers, as well as a letter from author and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.