Join us for an evening of seasonal festivity hosted by Axel Scheffler – the award-winning illustrator of the Gruffalo – to raise funds for Discover’s exciting future plans.
Thursday 27 November, 5.45-8pm
All ages welcome, adults are welcome to attend with or without children
Visit Discover after-hours for mince pies, mulled wine, hot chocolate, festive crafts and play in our twinkly Story Worlds. Take the opportunity to do some twilight Christmas shopping in our bookshop and hear all about our Grand Plans for developing the building in 2026.
Books signed by Axel Scheffler will be available to purchase on the night, our Story Builders will some read some of the best-loved books illustrated by Axel, and the man himself will be in the building to say a few words.
£25 (benefits cost £8.75 / donation £16.25*)
For festive refreshments, crafts and Story World play.
Exclusive Axel Scheffler draw-along and story-build
A limited number of tickets are also available to join Axel Scheffler in conversation with journalist Sam Leith, and to join in a once-in-a-lifetime draw-along and story-build with Axel and one of our fabulous Discover Story Builders.
£45 (benefits cost £8.75/ donation £36.25*)
For festive refreshments, crafts and Story World play — plus exclusive Axel Scheffler event with conversation, draw-along and Story Build from 6-7pm.
Your ticket will help support Discover’s exciting building plans to enable us to support even more children and families in 2026. A proportion of your ticket is a donation which will be eligible for Gift Aid – we will be in touch to confirm eligibility.
Tabby McTat © 2009, Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler - Scholastic Children's Books
Photographer: Urszula Soltys
The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books
Jonty Gentoo © 2024, Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler - Scholastic Children's Books
The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books
Room on the Broom © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2001 – Macmillan Children’s Books
About Axel
Axel Scheffler is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed illustrator of some of the most well-loved children’s books.
He was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1957 and spent his childhood there. He tried studying history of art, before moving to the United Kingdom to study illustration at Bath Academy of Art in 1982. Since then he has worked as a freelance illustrator in London. He is best known for the children’s books he has illustrated through his partnership with author, Julia Donaldson. Together they created The Gruffalo, which has sold over 17 million copies, in 105 countries throughout the world. He lives in London.
Magical Story Worlds at Discover
Magical Story Worlds at Discover
Children's Bookshop at Discover
Header Image: The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books
*£25 tickets: benefits cost £8.75 / donation £16.25. £45 tickets: benefits cost £8.75/ donation £36.25. Any amount over and above the benefits costs are given freely as a donation and are eligible for Gift Aid. To discuss purchasing tickets at the benefits-only cost, please contact the Development team separately on 020 536 5549.