Cat‚Äôs Cookbook will publish in May 2021, with Squirrel‚Äôs Snowman following in October 2021, Mole‚Äôs Spectacles in February 2022, and Badger‚Äôs Band in May 2022. Donaldson said: "I've always had a soft spot for the four Acorn Wood flap books. I remember when I was writing them I became so obsessed with flaps that I couldn't see anything else—it was all oven doors, cupboards, picnic baskets and loo seats (though I didn't actually include one of those in any of the books). Fans of the books will love seeing their favourite characters brought to life as puppets skillfully manipulated by talented performers James Blake Johnson, Lottie Johnson, Hayley Murray, Arthur Thorpe and Jenny Trapp, who clearly know how to lead a young audience. Publishing director Hannah Ray acquired world and audio rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency for Donaldson, and direct from Scheffler. The children were completely mesmerised by the piece. The pace, changes in plot, participatory moments and use of music and colour, make this a perfect performance for first time or seasoned theatre visitors. There are very few upsets, shuffling bums or need to leaves, as one might expect with an audience so young. They sit through most of the show with joy written all over their faces.

I love Axel's pictures of Fox, Bear, Rabbit and Pig, who all wear clothes, unlike the characters in The Gruffalo (Axel was insistent on that!). My grandchildren all really like Acorn Wood too, and I think perhaps it was reading the books to them that gave me the idea of creating a second set. This time the protagonists are Squirrel, Mole, Cat and Badger, but the original characters do put in cameo appearances. I can't wait for Axel to get started and to see what he comes up with."

Trailers

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are returning to the Tales From Acorn Wood preschool series with four new lift-the-flap instalments for Macmillan Children‚Äôs Books. The world premiere stage production of Tales from Acorn Woodbrings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s entrancing characters from the best selling books to life in a glorious, colourful and entertaining production.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Schaffler are the multiple awards winning and bestselling children’s book team behind The Gruffalo which has reached world wide sales of nearly 7 million and is available in 26 languages.The size of the venue does not work in favour of the show – it’s hard to engage small children sitting in the dark and distant from the stage. Perhaps smaller venues have the advantage here and are worth seeking out, but the skill of the cast translates the energy through the void enough to keep toes tapping. Scheffler said: "After 20 years I'm so happy to be returning to the charming world of Acorn Wood with these new characters and stories. Working with Julia‚Äôs text allows for me to add another dimension to the stories with my illustrations, and with these being lift-the-flap books they‚Äôre perfect for hiding details which I really enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces you might already know!"

The books, featuring new lead characters and published in 2021 and 2022, are the pair‚Äôs first new stories on the Macmillan Children‚Äôs list since 2005's Charlie Cook‚Äôs Favourite Book. The performers multirole with ease, making the intricate handling of the puppets look like child’s play, while voicing numerous characters at the same time and giving flawless vocal performances. They work so perfectly as a company that there is no stand out performance. They all give the stage to the puppets and disappear behind the marionettes perfectly, occasionally stepping out to give the young audience an opportunity to stretch and shake between stories with fun, playful and story based participation. A performance well worth a visit for children ages 1 to 5 years or older children who are fans of the book. It will have you singing along and dancing together in no time, a perfect family experience.