Details

Initially published: 2023-10-17
Author: Gavin Friday

Description

In 2023, Gavin Friday revisits the tale of Peter & The Wolf, with an animated version of the tale being shown on US network Max, a new book and new soundtrack. Also written for the project, a new single written by Bono and Gavin Friday, and performed by Friday called “There’s Nothing to Be Afraid Of“ was released today to digital services.

In 2003 in conjunction with the Irish Hospice Foundation, Gavin Friday published and recorded the tale of Peter & the Wolf. At the time, the drawings accompanying the book were drawn by Bono, and his daughters Eve and Jordan. The tale was based on Sergei Prokofiev’s orchestral telling of the story. Twenty years later, Gavin returns to bring the tale to film via Max. The drawings are based on Bono’s originals, and he makes an appearance in the film at the start and end of the tale. We see Bono creating some of the artwork used in the film.

The 2023 version is a hardcover book, with 128 pages. A still photo of Bono painting the wolf can be found at the start of the book, across from an introduction to the book by “Gavin Flyday, the Master of Ceremonies, MC Superfly”. The book uses still images from the animated film to tell the story. The book, printed in Slovakia, is published by DK ? Penguin Random House. The book is adapted and curated by Gavin Friday and Alistair Norbury. Bono is listed as one of the Executive Producers of the film.

The book listing shares:

Relive the magic of Peter and the Wolf through this extraordinary modern retelling by award-winning musicians Gavin Friday and Bono.

When a wolf is found roaming the woods, Peter’s grandfather warns him to stay at home. But Peter, who is mourning the loss of a parent, decides to venture into the deep, dark woods in search of this creature…

This incredible retelling of the well-loved classic story, Peter and the Wolf takes children aged 7-9 on an adventure while exploring themes of love and loss. With its spellbinding punk rock illustrations, this book is a beautiful reminder that there is hope after loss and those we love most are never truly gone. A timeless and magical gift book, Peter and the Wolf will be treasured by all.

This modern retelling of Peter and the Wolf offers:

- A dynamic new take on Prokofiev’s tale about a young boy who captures a wolf, with magical graphic novel-esque illustrations. – An underlying theme of loss, told with sensitivity and warmth, helping children to understand and navigate the topic. – A treasured keepsake book based on a classic story beloved by generations of children and adults, with vivid illustrations and a red ribbon. – An enchanting story written by Gavin Friday and stunning visuals based on Bono’s original illustrations – with an accompanying animated short film.

In Prokofiev’s original tale, Peter outsmarts the big, bad wolf, capturing him, and parading him victoriously around the town with the hunters. But this is not our ending and nothing is the way it seems…

This extraordinary rendition of Peter and the Wolf echoes the message of courage that is so central to the famous classic, while gently introducing themes of loss, grief, and growing up and helping young readers to navigate them.

The back cover of the North American edition can be seen here.