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The hugely popular children's book, The Gruffalo, has been re-printed in our very own Guernesiais.
Translated by Guernsey French teacher and expert in the island's native language, Yan Marquis, the local version of the book is the exact same as the original written by Julia Donaldson, just written entirely in 'patois'.
Just like the original children’s book, the Guernesiais version is illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and tells the story of a mouse wandering through the woods and encountering animals, real and fantastical.
Pictured: Part of The Gruffalo in Guernesiais.
While it is already available to buy from Guernsey Museum at Candie Gardens, and other outlets including the Lexicon and Cadeaux Gift Shop, the Guernesiais version of The Gruffalo will be the subject of a book launch this coming weekend, which is expected to be popular with Gruffalo hunters and their families.
Being held between 10:00 and 12:00 this Saturday, 14 September, at Guille Alles Library, the book launch will include a Gruffalo trail and craft activities along with readings of the world-famous text. Copies of the Gruffalo in Guernesiais and English will be available so that everyone can understand and follow along.
Pictured: The book launch is this coming weekend.
The Guernesiais version of The Gruffalo has been published by Island Language LBG with the support of Guernsey Museums. Director Chris Dye, is hopeful that it will help encourage some young learners to pick up some Guernsey French.
“This beloved children’s story is a great way for children and adults who have had little exposure to the Guernesiais language to see how fun and lyrical it is,” said Mr Dye. “Guernesiais is a great language for poetry and storytelling for all ages. We hope this inspires people to learn and use the island’s native language in their own creative ways.”
The Gruffalo in Guernesiais will be available to buy at the book launch at a special price, while Island Language LBG is also fundraising to create an online dictionary and learning app for Guernesiais. Anyone may donate to the project online at gofundme.com/GuernseyLanguageApp
Pictured top: Yan Marquis with a copy of The Gruffalo in Guernesiais.
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