When Julia Donaldson published the children’s book, The Gruffalo in 1999, she had no idea it would become an international sensation, selling more than 13 million copies worldwide and garnering numerous awards. In fact, The Gruffalo has been called one of the world’s best-loved monsters.
Now this monstrously fun adventure is coming to Chattanooga’s largest screen.
On Saturday, Jan. 28, The Gruffalo will be shown at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater.
This 30-minute animated film is the tale of a rather clever mouse who uses his imagination to outwit other forest creatures who would like to invite him to dinner. Once the mouse realizes he will be more than a guest of honor, he spins a story about his friend The Gruffalo who is half grizzly bear and half buffalo. This tactic wards off a hungry fox, owl and snake. But, the mouse has to change his story after encountering a real Gruffalo.
Like most of the films shown at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater, this movie helps spark curiosity and can be an educational opportunity to engage children in the three- to seven-year-old range.
Experts, such as Dr. Donna Mitroff, recommend reading the book together before viewing The Gruffalo to increase the enjoyment of the film. They also suggest the following activities:
- Encourage children to retell the story in their own words. Retelling a story helps children develop memory for the sequence of events, enhancing comprehension skills.
- Get better acquainted with The Gruffalo and engage in word play. The story is told in rhyming couplets. Children enjoy playing with rhymes, and such play helps their language development.
- Put on a play about The Gruffalo using these downloadable finger puppets:http://www.gruffalo.com/getmedia/b38a7cd0-191a-4757-a896-45936aa4dc12/Gruffalo-activity-sheet.jpg?width=2539&height=3590&ext=.jpg
- Get in touch with their artistic side with Gruffalo dot to dot art: http://www.gruffalo.com/getmedia/360bddc3-e315-4a9b-aa77-3e4c40ca45aa/Gruffalo-s-Child-activity-sheet.jpg?width=2721&height=3836&ext=.jpg
The Gruffalo official trailer: https://youtu.be/kNEnxt8lRII
Special screenings of The Gruffalo at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum Members: $8
IMAX Club passholders: FREE
Non-member adult: $11.95; Non-member child: $9.95; Children under 3: FREE
Register in advance online: http://www.tnaqua.org/events-programs