Stick Man

The heartwarming modern classic from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man, and Zog is perfect for sharing at Christmas.

In the delightful and adventurous story of Stick Man, we follow the titular character who lives happily in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their three stick children. However, life outside the family tree is fraught with challenges for Stick Man. A playful dog mistakes him for a toy, a swan incorporates him into its nest, and he even faces the peril of ending up on a fire!

Will Stick Man ever return to his family tree in time for Christmas? His journey is one of courage, resilience, and hope—especially when he finds an unexpected helper in none other than Santa Claus.

This picture book, crafted by the acclaimed duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, features shiny foil highlights on the cover, making it a special gift for toddlers. Donaldson's perfect read-aloud rhyming text combined with Scheffler's stunning illustrations, filled with rich details, ensure that every page is a visual treat. The storyline takes readers through the changing seasons, culminating in a gloriously festive Christmas Eve.

From the creators of other beloved hits such as The Gruffalo and Zog, which have been adapted into animated films, Stick Man has also been transformed into a popular animated film. The film features the voices of Martin Freeman (Stick Man), Jennifer Saunders (Narrator), Sally Hawkins (Stick Lady), Russell Tovey (Dog), and Hugh Bonneville (Santa). Another delightful film adaptation by this team is Tabby McTat, starring Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) as the narrator, Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Fred, and Sope Dirisu (Gangs of London) as Tabby McTat, alongside Cariad Lloyd, Joanna Scanlan, and Susan Wokoma.

Be on the lookout for the upcoming collaboration between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Jonty Gentoo, set to release in 2024.

Stick Man has been praised as "A cracker of a book" by the Financial Times and described as "Touching, whimsical ... Utterly original - a classic" by Angels & Urchins. Publishers Weekly celebrated the story by noting, "Donaldson and Scheffler's poignant, suspenseful profile of an inanimate object recalls The Velveteen Rabbit."