For over two decades, the magical worlds of author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler have leapt from the page to the screen, becoming a cherished part of British family viewing, especially during the festive season. A new Guardian article has taken on the delightful task of ranking these beloved television adaptations, from the very best to the less successful.
The Unbeatable Champions of Animation
Topping the list as the undisputed masterpiece is The Gruffalo, the 2009 BBC adaptation that started it all. With stellar voice work from Helena Bonham Carter, Rob Brydon, and notably James Corden as the mouse, it perfectly captured the book's suspense and wit. The animation by Magic Light Pictures was lush and immersive, setting a gold standard that subsequent adaptations have strived to match.
Close on its heels is the 2012 sequel, The Gruffalo's Child. It built brilliantly on the original's foundation, introducing new characters like the Big Bad Mouse (again voiced by Corden) and delivering a wintry, atmospheric charm. The film is praised for expanding the story while staying true to the heart of Donaldson's tale.
Festive Favourites and Heartwarming Hits
Another standout is Room on the Broom (2012). This adaptation is celebrated for its pitch-perfect voice cast, including Gillian Anderson as the witch and Simon Pegg as the narrator. The film's vibrant animation and cohesive storytelling made it an instant classic, proving that the formula could work perfectly for stories beyond The Gruffalo.
Stick Man (2015) also receives high praise for its emotional depth and beautiful seasonal narrative. With Martin Freeman voicing the titular hero, the special managed to be both thrilling and deeply moving, following Stick Man's epic journey back to his family tree.
The ranking shows strong appreciation for The Snail and the Whale (2019), noted for its stunning watercolour-esque animation and the poignant voice performance of Diana Rigg as the snail. Similarly, Zog (2018) and The Highway Rat (2017) are highlighted as excellent adaptations with great energy and humour, courtesy of voice casts featuring stars like Hugh Skinner and David Tennant.
Where the Adaptations Stumbled
Not every journey from book to screen has been seamless. The article points to Superworm (2021) as a rare misstep. Despite a fantastic cast including Olivia Colman and Matt Smith, the adaptation is criticised for feeling overcrowded and losing the simple, rhythmic charm of the original book in favour of excessive action.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the newest adaptation, Tabby McTat (2024), finds itself at the bottom of the ranking. While featuring the voice talents of Jodie Whittaker and Rob Brydon, the special is described as lacking the magic of its predecessors. Critics note that the songs by composer René Aubry, while pleasant, don't match the iconic status of earlier soundtracks, and the story's emotional beats don't land with the same impact.
The analysis makes it clear that the most successful adaptations are those that faithfully honour the rhythm, rhyme, and heart of Donaldson's original texts, without overcomplicating the narrative. The partnership with Axel Scheffler's distinctive artwork and Magic Light's animation has generally been a recipe for success, creating a legacy of family entertainment that continues to enchant new generations.
