16-05-2025
Children to retell Gruffalo story in mix of four languages
The Community Language School at York St John University has been granted permission by the publishers of The Gruffalo to stage a multilingual reading of the well-known children's story.
The book was originally written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and was published by Macmillan's Children's Books, which has granted permission for the reading.
Four children will retell the tale in a mix of English, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish.
The Community Language School, which opened in 2022, offers free classes in multiple languages.
Its team has now supported more than a hundred children with language learning, according to a spokesperson.
The Community Language School aims to foster a love of languages and to keep heritage languages alive amongst younger generations.
Dr Indu Meddegama, director and co-founder of the Community Language School, said: "Julia Donaldson is a masterful writer, and her stories have been translated into many languages, so we couldn't think of a better way to showcase language learning at the school.
"With direction and guidance from our postgraduate student and performing arts practitioner, Emily Howarth, the children have brought this story to life in a truly multilingual and multicultural way.
"My thanks to Macmillan Children's books for supporting this work, which promises to be a fantastic way to mark the end of a third year of the school.
"I'm so proud of all our young people for taking part in such a memorable occasion."
Mencia, Vega, and Emilia are three of the four children who will bring the exploits of the Gruffalo, mouse, fox, owl, and snake to life.
Mencia, aged 13, said: "The best of it all is getting to perform with my Spanish, getting to mix two of my favourite things together, and I feel like it has helped me feel closer to the language."
Vega, aged 10, said: "It's a fun way to develop my Spanish.
"It's an interesting way to connect with other languages.
"I'm really enjoying it and I am meeting lots of new friends."
Emilia, aged 9, said: "I love learning Italian at the Community Language School, although sometimes it is a bit hard to go back to 'school!'
"I especially like the play, The Gruffalo, and although I have a small role, I found out how much I like acting, so much so that I have been asking my mum to enrol me in a drama class."
The Community Language School will present the multilingual reading of The Gruffalo on Saturday, May 31, at 3pm at the York St John Creative Centre.
The audience will be composed of parents, carers, and Community Language School families.
More information about the Community Language School is available at
