‘Grrr’ for Gruffalo at Young Children’s Literature Festival

Published: 19 March 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

BELOVED children’s character The Gruffalo paid a special visit to the opening of the Kate Greenaway Children’s Centre on Saturday.

The dim-witted monster brought a smile to visiting children who flocked to celebrate the centre’s opening at Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children’s Centre and nearby Lewis Carroll Library, in Treaty Street, off Caledonian Road.

The free event was the culmination of the week-long Young Children’s Literature Festival and also marked the 50th anniversary of the nursery school. 

The festival was inspired by the nursery’s namesake, Kate Greenaway, a children’s writer and illustrator, who lived in Islington in the 19th century. 

Youngsters enjoyed meeting The Gruffalo, listening to African stories, singing sessions, having their faces painted and watching puppet shows.

Kate Greenaway Children’s Centre head Julian Grenier said: “The event was a massive success. Fifty years of early years education really is something for the nursery school to celebrate – and now we are a children’s centre too. With the huge range of services on offer here for children and families, we are well set for the next half century.”

• More information about Kate Greenaway Nursery and ­Children’s Centre at www.kategreenaway.ik.org or call 020 7527 4850