Every reception child to receive Jèrriais Gruffalo book

Sunday 27 September 2020

Every pupil starting reception class across Jersey's primary schools this autumn is to be gifted a Jèrriais translation of a classic childhood tale.

‘La P’tite Gruffalinne’ is a newly translated Jèrriais version of Julia Donaldson’s beloved book, 'The Gruffalo's Son'.

The release is timed to coincide with Saturday’s European Day of Languages, and follows last year’s translation of the book’s predecessor, ‘The Gruffalo’, and 2018’s translation of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. 

Students at Springfield School were in for a monstrously fun time last Thursday, as they were among the first to hear the text, which was sponsored by Voisin Law.

Pictured: Students at Springfield School were amongst the first to get a look at the new translation. 

Members of the Jèrriais Teaching Service will then visit schools to present the books throughout the autumn term. Copies will also be gifted to every school library, as well as Jersey Library.

Ben Spink, Jèrriais head of service and translator of the text, said: “We’re really excited to release a Jèrriais picture book for the third year running. For Jèrriais to survive and thrive, we have to provide a context for the language beyond the classroom and these books for young readers are just one of the ways in which we can do that.”

Deputy Jeremy Maçon, the Assistant Minister for Education, added: “This is a wonderful initiative which will hopefully encourage younger readers to become interested in Jèrriais. We should be proud that we have our own language and must do everything we can to ensure Jèrriais continues to be spoken in Jersey for generations to come.”

Pictured: The translation of 'The Gruffalo's Son' will be the third Jèrriais picture book translation since 2018. 

For those not joining Reception this term, books will be available to purchase from the bookshop at Société Jersiaise and from L’Office du Jèrriais.