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A much-loved classic is being brought to the screen this Christmas
When it comes to festive nostalgia, it’s hard to beat Mog’s Christmas. Judith Kerr’s much-loved children’s book was first published in 1976 and the tale of a disgruntled family cat experiencing disruptions at Christmas has brought delight to generations of children and adults ever since.
Now, in the 100-year anniversary of Judith Kerr’s birth, the book is being brought to life in a special animated adaption.
The Channel 4 production features a cast of stellar names including Miriam Margoyles, who plays one of the aunts, Benedict Cumberbatch and The Crown’s Claire Foy (Mr and Mrs Thomas). It’s also narrated by Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh, aka Lady Danbury. Of the cat himself, Mog’s purrs and miaows will be provided by Judith’s daughter, actress Tacy Kneale. “Our own Mog was a huge part of my childhood,” Tacy says. “I hope I’ve done her justice!”
It’s a warm and fitting tribute to her famous mother, who died in 2019 aged 95. The author and illustrator based her best-selling series on the antics of their first family cat, with Mog the Forgetful Cat published in 1970. A further 17 books followed, including titles such as Mog in the Dark and Mog’s ABC. The series went on to sell more than four million copies worldwide and was translated into 21 languages. Since its debut over 50 years ago, the first Mog book has never been out of print.
Unsurprisingly, anticipation levels are high for the upcoming TV incarnation. Much like the books themselves, we can expect more of the same magic. The production team behind Mog’s Christmas was also behind the 2019 adaptation of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the author’s other most famous children’s title, which went on to win an Emmy.
The enduring popularity of Kerr’s work matches her own remarkable life. Born in Berlin in 1923,
