Every Christmas, as we settle in for the monarch’s predictable speech and the inexplicable popularity of Mrs Brown’s Boys, there’s one tradition that’s become just as essential: the animated adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture books. But here’s where it gets controversial—while these feel-good tales are a festive staple, not all are created equal. From the heartwarming to the head-scratching, we’ve ranked every TV adaptation from worst to best, complete with bold takes and thought-provoking questions. Let’s dive in—and yes, we’re looking at you, The Smeds and the Smoos.
It all began with The Gruffalo in 2009, a cozy Christmas afternoon fixture on BBC One that’s since spawned a dozen more adaptations. Each year brings a new entry, complete with A-list voice casts (Rob Brydon being the only constant). This year’s offering, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, marks the 13th installment. But which one truly deserves the title of Christmas cracker? Let’s find out.
13. The Smeds and the Smoos (2022)
Julia Donaldson’s stories are known for their cute animals, magical settings, and heartwarming morals. But here’s where it gets controversial—this Romeo and Juliet-esque tale of feuding alien families feels out of place, especially with its nonsensical language. It’s less BFG and more Smeds and the Snooze.
12. The Highway Rat (2017)
A sweet-toothed rodent turns bandit, stealing sugary treats until he gets his comeuppance. Despite David Tennant’s stellar voice acting, this feels like a budget Pixar knockoff. The flirtatious rabbit? A bizarre addition, like a nod to the Cadbury’s Caramel bunny. And let’s be honest—that rat looks more like a beaver.
11. Zog and the Flying Doctors (2020)
This sequel to Zog falls flat, with a clumsy dragon, a non-dashing knight, and a feminist twist that lacks the charm of the original. Daniel Ings replaces Kit Harington as Sir Gadabout, and Mark Bonnar’s Distressed Unicorn feels like a missed opportunity. And this is the part most people miss—was the unicorn foreshadowing Bonnar’s role in The Celebrity Traitors?
10. Tabby McTat (2023)
Set in London instead of the countryside, this tale of a busker and his singing cat is narrated by Jodie Whittaker, with Sope Dirisu and Susan Wokoma as lovestruck felines. However, the city feels overly romanticized, like a Richard Curtis film.
9. Tiddler (2024)
Think Finding Nemo with a British twist. A fish with a big imagination spins tales to excuse his lateness, only to get lost at sea. Stunning underwater sequences and clever cameos, but the story is predictable. Controversial question—does it make you feel guilty about that fish course on Christmas Day?
8. Superworm (2021)
A heroic earthworm saves the day—until his ego gets the better of him. The anthropomorphism (earthworms don’t have eyes!) is forgivable thanks to Olivia Colman’s narration and Matt Smith’s slithery hero. But here’s where it gets controversial—is Superworm just a worm with a PR team?
7. The Scarecrows’ Wedding (2025)
This year’s entry features two lovestruck scarecrows planning their wedding, until a rival puts them in danger. Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson charm, but a random crab on an inland farm? Even in a carb coma, we notice these things.
6. The Gruffalo’s Child (2011)
A clever reversal of the original, with the Gruffalo’s daughter venturing into the woods to find the Big Bad Mouse. It’s cute, but the physics-defying twist feels cynical. Still, the snowy setting and atmospheric glow save it.
5. Zog (2018)
A scaly dragon learns to fly, roar, and breathe fire, all while befriending a princess who dreams of being a doctor. Sly humor, a subversive plot, and a stellar voice cast (Lenny Henry, Tracey Ullman, Kit Harington) make this a standout. And this is the part most people miss—it’s the OG of dragon stories.
4. The Snail and the Whale (2019)
A sea snail befriends a whale and travels the world. Narrated by Diana Rigg, this tale of friendship and environmental awareness is visually stunning, with Blue Planet-worthy sequences. Controversial question—is this the most underrated adaptation?
3. Room on the Broom (2012)
A kind witch invites animals onto her broom, much to her cat’s dismay. This ode to friendship and inclusivity is exhilarating, with a voice cast including Gillian Anderson and Simon Pegg. No wonder it earned an Oscar nomination. And this is the part most people miss—it’s got serious Wallace and Gromit vibes.
2. Stick Man (2015)
A father’s quest to return to his family tree in time for Christmas is both epic and heartwarming. Martin Freeman’s Stick Man and Hugh Bonneville’s Santa are unforgettable. The sleigh scene? Spine-tingling. Controversial question—is this the most Christmassy of them all?
1. The Gruffalo (2009)
The original and the best. A mouse outwits predators by inventing a monster—the Gruffalo. With a cast including Robbie Coltrane, John Hurt, and Tom Wilkinson, it’s a poignant classic. But here’s where it gets controversial—would it have been even better with Mark Ruffalo and Janeane Garofalo?
The Scarecrows’ Wedding airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 3.10pm on Christmas Day. Now, tell us—which adaptation do you think deserves the top spot? Let the debate begin!
