The Gruffalo comes from the best-selling book about a little mouse who must outwit four predators. This cunning little guy is minding his own business on his stroll through the woods. His destination is a tree full of nuts, but on his way through the forest he encounters a snake, a fox and an owl, all with the intention of eating him. This little fellow doesn't blink an eye. Instead he informs each of them that he is on his way to meet his friend the Gruffalo, a giant beast with horns, sharp teeth and orange eyes. Of course, there is no such thing as a Gruffalo, but the little mouse is so convincing that the three predators believe him when he informs each of them that they are the Gruffalo's favorite food.

As the Gruffalo nears his destination the little mouse encounters, you guessed it, a real Gruffalo. This supposed figment of his imagination is real, just as he had described him to the snake, the fox and the owl. Now it is the Gruffalo's turn to try to eat the mouse. His cunning again saves him when he now informs the Gruffalo that he, the mouse, is the most feared creature in the woods. Not believing him, the Gruffalo follows the little guy as he encounters the predators who, after seeing the Gruffalo, all flee from the scene.

The Gruffalo is a cute story about facing fears and outwitting enemies through intelligence instead of using force. The movie was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Animated film. It was also nominated in the same category for a BAFTA Award and won the Chicago International Children's Film Festival for "Best of the Fest."

The story is narrated by Helena Bonham Carter. Although it was honored by the film industry, some kids might be a little scared of the fact that the predators want to eat the mouse. Parents should take that into account when showing the Gruffalo to their children.