A former children’s laureate has accused John Lewis of ripping off one of his books with their much-acclaimed Christmas advert.
Moz the Monster has captured hearts across Britain for his role in the advert as the unlikely best friend of a young boy, Joe, who finds him lurking under his bed.
But award-winning author Chris Riddell shared a video on Twitter highlighting the resemblance between the plot and that of his book Mr Underbed.
Both Moz (bottom) and Mr Underbed (top) are blue, with bulbous noses and offer a friendly hand to their young hosts
Mr Underbed was first published in 1986 and tells the story of young Jim and a similar-looking blue monster.
Both are blue, with bulbous, reddish noses and two fangs sticking out of their mouths – although Moz’s point downwards and Mr Underbed’s upwards.
The Mr Underbed story has a very similar beginning, with a terrified Jim quivering under the duvet as his bed is shaken by the large beast lurking underneath.
As with the advert, Jim overcomes his fear of monsters as the two get more comfortable with each other.
Both characters keep the children awake by snoring – although this is just the introduction to the advert.
It forms the main crux of the story in Mr Underbed, as Jim desperately tries to find somewhere else to sleep, but finds all of his furniture occupied by other creatures.
Jim (left) and Joe (right) are both seen in their beds before the respective monsters emerge from under their beds
The two monsters, Mr Underbed (left) and Moz (right), emerge from their homes under the children’s beds
This introduction of additional monsters, such as the duck-looking Crinkle and Crumple, is one of the most noticeable differences between the two.
Mr Riddell tweeted earlier today: ‘John Lewis helps themselves to my picture book.’
It was accompanied by a video of the John Lewis advert running in full as he simultaneously turns the pages of his book to highlight the similarities.
Mr Riddell told the Guardian: ‘The idea of a monster under the bed is by no means new but the ad does seem to bear a close resemblance to my creation – a big blue unthreatening monster who rocks the bed and snores loudly.
‘Needless to say, I think Mr Underbed is a lot more appealing than Moz, but of course, I’m biased.’
MOZ THE MONSTER
Date created: 2017
Fur colour: Blue
Nose colour: Brown/red
Teeth: Two downward-pointing fangs
Lives: Under a bed
Snores: Yes
Human friend: Joe
MR UNDERBED
Date created: 1986
Fur colour: Blue
Nose colour: Red
Teeth: Two upward-pointing fangs
Lives: Under a bed
Snores: Yes
Human friend: Jim
John Lewis’ advert is directed by Oscar winner Michel Gondry and set to an Elbow cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road classic Golden Slumbers.
CHRIS RIDDELL
Chris Riddell is a former children’s laureate who wrote Mr Underbed in 1986
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1962
Illustrated his first book, The Mystery of Silver Mountain, by Paul Stewart, in 1984
Wrote his first book, Ben and the Bear, two years later
Won three Smarties Book Prizes
His most famous work is The Edge Chronices, co-written with Mr Stewart
Children’s laureate from 2015 to xxxx
Its £7million marketing blitz also includes a £20 Moz cuddly monster, clothes, mugs, children’s book and even a tie-up with Sky and Google they hope will be as successful as their Monty the Penguin’ campaign from 2014, which made £2.5million in soft toy sales alone.
A company spokesperson said: ‘The story of a big hairy monster under the bed which keeps a child from sleeping is a universal tale which has been told many times over many years.
‘Ours is a Christmas story of friendship and fun between Joe and Moz The Monster, in which Joe receives a night light which helps him get a good night’s sleep.
‘The main thrust of our story is utterly different to Chris Riddell’s.’
The John Lewis advert begins with Joe initially terrified after hearing snoring under his bed. He then cautiously peers under and sees a pair of enormous eyes peering out at him from the dark.
However, the sleeping creature is no threat, but actually turns out to be a fantastic, fun playmate and friend.
Joe becomes so wrapped up in the fun and games that he loses sleep, which means he dozes off when playing football and getting his hair cut at the barbers.
After nights of riotous fun together Moz realises that it is time for him to go and let little Joe grow up.
Chris Riddeell tweeted ‘John Lewis’ helps themselves to my picture book’ earlier today
The book was first published in 1986 and tells the story of young Jim and a similar-looking blue monster
The introduction of additional monsters, such as the duck-looking Crinkle and Crumple, in Mr Underbed is one of the most noticeable differences between the two
In a moment that will see fans grabbing the tissues the monster is shown under the bed waving forlornly with tears in his eyes.
And one final show of love for the little boy Moz leaves a crudely wrapped parcel under the tree with a gift for the young boy.
The fabulous starlight nightlight creates magical patterns across the Joe’s bedroom to help him sleep and Moz seems to have disappeared for ever.
However, with a click that turns the nightlight off, Joe hears Moz under the bed and so can relax knowing his friend is always nearby if he needs him.