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Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s dragon Zog to get annual day of celebration
To mark the 15th anniversary of the release of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Zog, bookshops and schools nationwide are being encouraged to hold an entire day of celebration.
Taking place on Thursday 12th June 2025, Zog Day celebrations will take place at Warwick Castle as the castle unveils their new Zog live show and trail activities. Bookshop and school activities will run throughout the week, with bookshops offered Zog Day packs including celebratory materials, activities and digital assets.
Schools can access a free Zog Day event on Scholastic Schools Live starring Donaldson and Scheffler, and will be offered Zog Day packs filled with resources, activities and gold star reward charts.
More than 4.5 million Zog books have sold worldwide. The books have been adapted into award-winning animated films by Magic Light which have premiered on Christmas Day to millions of viewers.
Published by Alison Green Books (an imprint of Scholastic) in 2010, Zog follows the keen yet accident-prone Zog through dragon school and his friendship with Princess Pearl. The Flying Doctors (2016) saw Zog, Pearl and Sir Gadabout help magical creatures throughout their fairy-tale world.
Donaldson said: “Zog has always been a favourite character of mine. He’s so keen and enthusiastic, and Axel’s glowing pictures make him very loveable. Zog faces a lot of bumps along the way but always bounces back – with help from Princess Pearl. I am happy to think that children are inspired by him and will enjoy celebrating Zog Day. I look forward to seeing Zog’s adventures continue.”
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Scheffler said: “I enjoy the freedom of drawing fairy-tale characters so the world of Zog is one of my favourites. Julia’s wonderful story is full of imagination but also real friendship and kindness. It has never been more important for people to be kind towards one another. Zog and his friends Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout show us all the importance of friendship, togetherness and caring for others. I hope young and old enjoy Zog Day.”
Catherine Bell, MD at Scholastic UK, said: “Fifteen years since Zog bang-crash-thump landed into our hearts, we are very happy to see Julia and Axel’s dragon soar further with exciting animation and licensing news. Zog Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Zog’s qualities of kindness, caring, resilience and bravery. We look forward to working with our partners on this special day and to seeing families, bookshops and schools explore all the ways to ‘Be More Zog’.”
Michael Rose, joint CEO at Magic Light, said: “It’s fantastic to see Zog flying into 2025 with lots of exciting activity for his 15th anniversary and the first-ever Zog Day. We’re really looking forward to be encouraging fans to ’Be more Zog’ as we continue to build the brand in the lead up to our new series launch in 2026.”
