Regular readers will know that we are big Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler fans. So the animated film adaptations of their books is something we look forward to each Christmas. My son’s current special interest is books so using books to inspire him has worked really well for us.
The last few Christmases we have enjoyed
Whilst we have loved every one of them. In reality they became favourites after the films adapted from the books came out. So earlier this year when it was announced that Zog would be the 2018 Christmas animation I was really excited. Both my boys have loved Zog from the day we bought the book and it is a regular bedtime story for us.
Christmas Eve Box
Christmas Eve is our family time together, just me, my husband and kids. Last year I did a Christmas Eve box filled with treats. It had pyjamas, hot chocolate, popcorn and a Christmas film for us to enjoy together.
My eldest can find lots of presents a bit much so this is a nice way to split gifts over two days. We really enjoyed it and so want to make it part of our Christmas traditions. Finding out that Zog would be the 2018 Christmas special I knew I had the perfect gift. So obviously we needed to have a Zog theme to our Christmas Eve box.
Box Contents
So I have been busy collecting some great Zog items to go in the box for us to enjoy together. If you buy one thing for your kids this Christmas it needs to be a copy of Zog by Julia Donaldson.
Zog is a wonderful tale about a young dragon at Dragon School doing his best to get a golden star. It also has a great feminist angle with Princess Pearl who isn’t interested in ‘prancing round the palace in a silly frilly dress’. We already have a copy of Zog but I did find an early reader version which is bound to come in useful as we work on reading with the boys.
We also already have a copy of Zog and the Flying Doctors which is a fantastic follow up to the original story which I would totally recommend. Princess Pearl is a brilliant role model compared to most of the traditional princesses in children’s books.
I think the item I have found that I love the most is the plush toy Zog. I can’t wait for my youngest to see it he will be so excited. In fact his new word of the day today was dragon!
To go in the box I have also got a Zog Activity Book and a Zog Sticker book. This will give us some great family activities before we set up our stockings and mince pies for Santa.
It was recently announced that Sir Lenny Henry is cast as the narrator and I can’t wait to enjoy Zog this Christmas. The person making the decisions on which books will be adapted into animated films is definitely on a role as for Christmas 2019 it will be Snail on the Whale!!
If anyone is listening we are still waiting for the Tabby McTat film!
Any suggestions of Zog themed things I can add to our Christmas Eve box / plans?
If you are looking for present ideas check out our favourite Christmas gifts for 2020 here.
We love this book!
I’ve never heard of Zog but I’m sure as the years go on I’m going to be getting acquainted with quite a few different characters. The plush toy is so cute, he is going to love that! Enjoy your Zog themed Christmas (and animation) ?
This book looks great. My family are big fans of Julia Donaldson so this is going on the must buy list.
I love Julia Donaldson books! We have Zogg!
We love this book. The stuffed Zog makes this a lovely gift
We love Julia Donaldson’s books in our house! I have to check out the Zog books as well
Zog is the coolest looking character. Activity books are so much fun. I like when books are series. You can always find another great story to read by the author.
We LOVE Zog! It’s such an awesome story with great lessons. I hadn’t realised there was a film coming out so thanks for sharing x
oh how sweet. thanks for sharing! xx