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Synopsis

Gruff the Grump by Steve Smallman

Gruff was a bear. A great big, scowly, growly, grizzly grump of a bear. One morning, Gruff the Grump meets a little rabbit clinging to a branch, clutching a fallen star. The little rabbit is trying to rescue all the stars she keeps finding, and needs a big, kind friend like Gruff to help. Gruff doesn't want a friend but the rabbit is determined.

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Reviews

Gruff was a bear. A great big bear. A great big, scowly, growly, grizzly grump of a bear. One morning, Gruff the Grump meets a little rabbit clinging to a branch, clutching a fallen star. The little rabbit is trying to rescue all the stars she keeps finding, and needs a big, kind friend like Gruff to help. Gruff certainly doesn't want a friend but the rabbit is rather determined.

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About The Author

Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.

Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:

I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.

I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.

I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics. 

I've  been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.

I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.

 

Click here to read a Little Tiger interview with Steve Smallman.

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