Julia Donaldson brings the real life Gruffalo to Edinburgh

Hear one parent's view on how the Children's Laureate's show has become 'a core part of the festival'

The screaming and singing I just heard coming from the RBS Main Theatre can only mean one thing: The Gruffalo is in town.

Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson gave a sold out audience far more than your average reading; performing, singing and dancing her way though her stories, including the newly released The Highway Rat.

Ever a true professional, not even the lights going out momentarily could throw Donaldson off her stride. She'll be here at the festival a lot this year as she's a guest selector for the children's events programme.

Among those in the audience was the Guardian's Scotland correspondent Severin Carrell, who brought along his son.

In the Audioboo below, he gives us his reaction to the show and speaks about the importance of reading with children.

• Edinburgh International Book Festival

Michael MacLeod

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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/aug/13/julia-donaldson-gruffalo-severin-carrell

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