The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse

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Talk to a member of staff at the auditorium entrance if you have a disability that means you can’t queue, or you need extra time to take your seat. They can arrange priority entry for you as soon as the doors open. Aurora were in typically sparkling form, bringing energy, consummate skill and fun as they functioned as both musicians and convincing actors. (Special mention is due to the violist, who, while he didn’t have a theatrical role, was foregrounded in the texture and brought beautifully warm tone and finesse.) Mitchell Dos Santos’s effervescent presentation was masterful, the relative newcomer needing few words to keep her young audience absolutely rapt. She was aided by the production’s clever structure (happily also just the right length): the opening section encouraged viewers to take part in creating the sound of the forest, each area of the hall contributing a different noise that was rhythmically layered over the next to surprisingly evocative effect; a dance interlude was included around halfway through, with simple choreography taught in time to the orchestra to give the little ones a breather and get any wriggles out. Both were repeated later on, the finale bringing a triumphant return of the dance that sent everyone off with smiles on their faces. Read this book. Love this book. Embrace it and discuss it with your kids. Barnett and Klassen do it again. As it turns out, it’s pretty nice living inside the belly of the beast with a new friend. There’s delicious food, dancing and – better still – no more fear of being eaten!

For access to the Queen Elizabeth Hall auditorium seating rows A to C and wheelchair spaces in the Front Stalls, please enter via the Artists' Entrance in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road (Level 1). For step-free access from the Queen Elizabeth Hall Slip Road off Belvedere Road to the Queen Elizabeth Hall auditorium seating (excluding rows A to C) and wheelchair spaces in the Rear Stalls, plus Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer and the Purcell Room, please use the Queen Elizabeth Hall main entrance. To reach this entrance, enter the Royal Festival Hall via the Southbank Centre Square Doors. Take the JCB Glass Lift to Level 2 and exit to the Riverside Terrace. Turn right to find the Queen Elizabeth Hall main entrance. The much-loved children’s story by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen becomes a musical adventure in this world premiere for families and children aged 4–8.The story is so fantastical and so cleverly written that children will love it. They will want to hear it over and over again. Expect beautiful set design incorporating Jon Klassen’s instantly recognisable illustrations, lots of laughter and dancing, some fearsome howls, and sublime music-making from the players of Aurora Orchestra. That is, until a hunter shows up… With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, Extra Yarn and Triangle offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy. They may have been swallowed, but they have no intention of being eaten... A new comedy from the unparalleled team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

Klassen's signature palette, compositions, and comedic, horizontally elongated eyes are here along with the heightened action propelled by Barnett's narrative. Barnett wrestles Aesop and Grimm into pretzels, adding a groaner ending ("And that's why the wolf howls at the moon") for the mustard. A howl. One might find themselves rooting for the success of every character—save the hunter for, who could really bear to part with the wolf who carries the others safely with him through the deep, dark woods? This is a sweet & funny tale of friendship, adventure & intrigue. The book is a wonderful read, and will have children enthralled in the three animal’s adventures. It also explains (not factually), why wolves howl. The illustrations by Jon Klassen suit the story perfectly with his unusual style of drawing, almost like rough sketching, or a first draft. Klassen’s signature palette, compositions, and comedic, horizontally elongated eyes are here along with the heightened action propelled by Barnett’s narrative. Barnett wrestles Aesop and Grimm into pretzels, adding a groaner ending ("And that’s why the wolf howls at the moon") for the mustard. A howl.

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole

You can also use the external lift near the Artists' Entrance on Southbank Centre Square to reach Mandela Walk, Level 2. Thanks to its consistent pace, flowing dialogue, catchy one-liners, and ample use of repetition, this title makes for a read aloud that will have young readers on the edge of their seats. This title is a delightful way to introduce anthropomorphism, and teachers may also consider using it to discuss making predictions and inferences. Turns out it’s pretty nice inside the belly of the beast – there’s delicious food, elegant table settings and, best of all, dancing. And there’s something more: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! Life’s not so bad, considering the alternatives. Kind of sort of especially for boys, in the sense that Battle Bunny and others by Jon Scieszka are.