The Smeds and the Smoos

We've waited years for The Smeds and the Smoos to be brought to the screen, the book being a firm favourite of my youngest and my eldest before that. It did not disappoint. The characters have been brought to life with more complexity than the book could provide, partly thanks to the great voice actors, and the story is more involved with nuances and humour added to the evolving relationship of the Smeds and the Smoos throughout the screenplay. The alien scenery is beautiful, the skies in particular are gorgeous, almost mesmerising, and the detail of the various landscapes is superb. The only thing on that front is that the children were disappointed not to see a 'baby Gruffalo' on Grimbletosh! The score is fantastic, and the song that featured throughout and at the end is a delight. The narration isn't quite what I had expected, but its gentle delivery doesn't get in the way of the story which I guess was the aim. This will be a festive favourite in our house for years to come.