Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Favorite book adaptation promotes brains over brawn.
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The Gruffalo
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 51 parent reviews
Parents say that while the animation and adaptation of the beloved book are well-done, the film can be too intense and frightening for younger children, especially those who aren't familiar with the story. Many reviewers noted that it may be suitable for older kids but could trigger anxiety and nightmares in sensitive toddlers due to its suspenseful themes and imagery of predatory animals.
- animation quality
- intense for toddlers
- suitable for older kids
- suspense causes anxiety
- familiar story helps
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 6 kid reviews
What's the Story?
On a stroll through the deep, dark wood, Mouse (voiced by James Corden) encounters three animals who think he looks like a tasty meal -- but he outwits each one by telling them that he's scheduled to meet THE GRUFFALO, an imaginary creature that Mouse describes as having large teeth, sharp claws, and a poisonous wart on his nose. Imagine Mouse's shock to discover that the Gruffalo (Robbie Coltrane) actually exists! When the Gruffalo then threatens to eat him, Mouse claims to be the fiercest creature around, offering to prove it if the monster will follow him back through the wood. As they encounter the three animals again, each is frightened by the sight of the Gruffalo, who interprets their fear as directed at Mouse and flees for his life.
Is It Any Good?
This enchanting adaptation is masterfully animated to reflect the book's original drawings and set to beautifully crafted music. It offers a great opportunity for parents to hit the couch with their kids and take in a truly wonderful story. Based on the award-winning children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the show breathes life into these loved characters and teaches a lesson about not letting size intimidate you. The crafty mouse uses his smarts to escape the larger and more powerful animals, who fall for his tricks out of unfounded fear.
There are some perilous scenes when the mouse envisions his own death at the hands of the animals, but other than that, The Gruffalo is perfectly suited -- and very entertaining -- for kids of all ages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the story in The Gruffalo. Do you think Mouse was scared when he met the animals who wanted to eat him? Did he show his fear? How did he outsmart them? Were you surprised that they fell for his trick?
Kids: How does the show compare to the book? Did you like the animation style? Were the characters like you imagined them? What other books would you like to see made into TV shows or movies?
What are your family's rules about TV? Why do parents set time limits and monitor what shows you can watch? How do these rules keep you safe?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 16, 2011
- Cast : Helena Bonham Carter , John Hurt , Robbie Coltrane
- Directors : Jakob Schuh , Max Lang
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : NCircle Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Run time : 40 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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