The programme offers unique access to Julia Donaldson, her family, her rich archives and home movies, and the remarkable cast of characters that have sprung from her imagination. Specially commissioned animations from Julia's long-term illustrator Axel Scheffler bring her biography to life. With contributions from well-known admirers and collaborators, this is a tribute to the woman who has created the characters and stories that have become a fixture of children’s bedtime routines all around the world and spawned multi-award-winning adaptations for stage and screen. Looking at her works, the programme uncovers the surprising stories behind how Julia's iconic characters were created and what they mean to a generation of readers. It also explores why Donaldson’s books appeal to both children and adults alike – tackling serious themes of love, loss, fear and bullying in a poignant but subtle way.
This was of course a fitting look into the world of Julia Donaldson, whose books have kept the BBC in Christmas animations for the last few years, and will probably do so for years to come.
Sophie Dahl (born Sophie Holloway; 15 September 1977) is a British author and former fashion model. Dahl was born Sophie Holloway in London to the actor Julian Holloway and the writer Tessa Dahl. As a child, Sophie attended 10 schools and lived in 17 homes in various locations including London, New York, and India. Dahl often spent time at both her maternal and paternal grandparents' houses in Great Missenden and Angmering respectively. Dahl has noted that her childhood was "an odd one, but with such magic". Her maternal grandparents were the children’s author Roald Dahl and the American actress Patricia Neal. Her paternal grandparents were the actor Stanley Holloway and former chorus dancer Violet Lane. Dahl was the inspiration for Sophie, the main character in her maternal grandfather’s book, The BFG. She is married to singer Jamie Cullum, and has two daughters. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia