"A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood. A fox saw the mouse, and the mouse looked good…”
Join Savannah on a journey into a magical forest library, where the door opens to a world of adventure. Along the way, she meets a mouse, an owl, a snake, a fox — and maybe even… a Gruffalo! Julia Donaldson’s beloved story springs to life through an enchanting giant storybook, catchy songs, and beautifully handcrafted sets and puppets, all presented in Savannah Kids’ distinctive, visually rich, and imaginative style.
Duration: 45 minutes
Appropriate for ages: 2–8 years
Themes: Imagination, storytelling, clever problem-solving, confidence, curiosity, and exploring feelings like fear and bravery through the journey of a small, resourceful mouse.
Tone: Playful, adventurous, and warm — with lively songs, expressive movement, gentle humour, and moments of soft surprise that help children feel safe and engaged.
Interactivity: Highly interactive, with singing, movement, and call-and-response throughout. Children are invited to stand up, join in, and become part of the story at key moments.
Sensory Notes: Suitable for sensitive children. No loud bangs, flashing lights, or strobe effects. Visually rich yet gentle, featuring sparkling costumes and soft, magical transformations.
Visual Experience: A shimmering woodland stage filled with texture, colour, and enchanting visual moments.
Languages: Available in English and Hebrew
Credits:
Book written by: Julia Donaldson
Show Concept Created by: Savannah Zwi
Original Music by: Phil Marks & Savannah Zwi
Set and Costume design: Savannah Zwi
Hebrew Translation: Orit Binderman
Before the Curtain Rises: Building the Set & Pre-Show Magic
The set, props, and costumes are entirely handmade, creating a rich, tactile woodland world. At its heart stands a towering Gruffalo — a one-of-a-kind puppet who moves, looms above the storyteller, and surprises audiences with glowing orange eyes. Another much-loved element is the magical skirt, which doubles as a giant story bell. It becomes the key to unlocking the door to The Best Forest Library, where the performance begins.
Before every show, Savannah creates an interactive art display outside the auditorium, helping families step into the world of the story even before they take their seats. Children and grown-ups alike can explore the artworks, take photos, and enjoy video screenings from the Savannah Kids YouTube channel. Below is documentation from one such event — can you spot other characters from Julia Donaldson’s stories hidden within the display?
