from the creative team and author behind the acclaimed specials 'The Snowman' and 'Father Christmas'. with the vocals of Philip Sheffield, Charlotte Church, and Peter Knapp. Beginning in the mid-2000's - the American release by Miramax Films has been narrated by Judi Dench. Hilary Audus [the woman at the zoo] directs from an ani-ustrated adaptation through storyboards by Audus & Joanna Harrison [Harrison was Art Director; also as the Zoo Shop cashier]; Based on the book by Raymond Briggs. Produced by John Coates [the baby in the cot] • Executive Producer: Paul Madden [the sailor who spotted the bear on the ice-floc at the opening]. Original Music - and Lyrics for the End Credits song - by Howard Blake [the pianist at the window]. a TVC, London production for Channel 4. Released first in America on Videocassette as part of Buena Vista Home Video's "Animation Celebration" line. Premiered on Christmas Eve '98 on Channel 4 - and released on video from VCI.