Hundreds of you reacted to our piece on the bizarre yet wonderful world of Storybook Glen. More than 300 of you commented, many using the word “iconic” to describe arguably the north-east’s most famous – and oddest – children’s attraction. P&J journalist Calum Petrie – now known as The Den & The Glen – for the first time since he went there as a nipper in the 1980s.
Readers’ comments were overwhelmingly positive, while recognising the peculiar appearance of many of the statuettes. There were several tongue-in-cheek references to the less-than-lifelike nature of some of the characters. “I still go to therapy on a weekly basis after being traumatised,” said Gary Noble.
“It should be called Scarybook Glen,” said Vicky Young, while Fiona Hay suggested “Horror Book Glen.” Storybook Glen: Known globally, loved locally has grown exponentially over the years. Having originally included characters and features from nursery rhymes and fairy tales, there are now 90 statuettes including more modern characters like Peppa Pig and Shrek.
But with growth has come scrutiny, and Storybook Glen has unfortunately come in for its share of ridicule since the turn of the century. A brutal 2015 went viral across the UK, after Aberdonian journalist Euan Davidson tried to relive his youth by visiting Storybook Glen for the first time as an adult. A couple of years later, though, Storybook Glen went truly global.
Its representation of Barney the Dinosaur was so...
different.
