Gruffalo Illustrator Drawings Up for Auction to Help Jersey Kids

Celebrity-backed art is headed to a Jersey auction to support children’s literacy. Axel Scheffler, the artist behind The Gruffalo, has donated four original colour drawings to help fund books for families in need.

Auction details

The four colour drawings will be sold through Bailiwick Auctions, with bids open from 8 December to 15 December. All proceeds will fund books for local children who otherwise might not have access to reading materials.

Festival impact

The Jersey Festival of Words marked its 10th anniversary with record levels of book gifts for children attending multilingual storytelling sessions in Millennium Park.

Festival chairwoman Lucy Cotter said gifting books to children is a central part of the festival’s mission, and Scheffler’s drawings will help extend that reach. “We are grateful for this support and eager to see the difference it makes,” she added.

What this means for readers

The collaboration highlights how famous authors can support literacy in local communities by turning art into practical aid for families.

For updates on INLIBER Jersey, follow our pages on X and Facebook, and you can email story ideas to channel.islands@INLIBER.co.uk.

Expert view

Expert view: Community fundraising like this auction helps more children access books and supports early literacy. It also demonstrates how author involvement can strengthen local reading programs.

Summary

Four illustrated works by Axel Scheffler will be auctioned in December to raise funds for Jersey children’s books. The Jersey Festival of Words celebrated a record edition with many books donated to attendees at multilingual storytelling sessions. This event demonstrates the power of partnerships between authors, auctions, and local communities to boost literacy.

Key insight: Charitable art auctions by renowned creators can significantly increase access to children's books in local communities. Source: BBC News.