Gruffalo Granny Set to Join the Beloved Monster Family in New Book
Fans of the deep dark wood are in for a treat as the Gruffalo family is expanding with a long-awaited third instalment. Macmillan Children's Books has announced that 'Gruffalo Granny' will be published on 10 September 2025, marking a significant return to the world created by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
A Journey Two Decades in the Making
This new tale arrives more than twenty years after the publication of The Gruffalo's Child in 2004, which itself followed the original best-selling The Gruffalo from 1999. The announcement, first made in April 2025, reveals that Donaldson was motivated to write by a campaign aimed at reversing the decline in children's reading habits.
An excerpt from the book teases: "The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." This introduction of a new character promises fresh adventures while reuniting readers with familiar faces from the previous books, including Fox, Snake, Owl, and Mouse.
Author and Illustrator Reflect on the Creative Process
Julia Donaldson shared her thoughts on the challenge of crafting a sequel, noting the lengthy gap between publications. "Five years elapsed between publication of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, and now it will be more than 20 between The Gruffalo's Child and the third book," she said.
Donaldson explained that the idea for the story had been with her for some time but only crystallised when the National Literacy Trust incorporated the first two books into their Early Words Matter programme. "I was spurred on to get my idea out of the cupboard and see once and for all if I could turn it into a really satisfying story," she added, expressing delight at Scheffler's involvement and his brilliant illustrations.
Axel Scheffler, who initially denied the possibility of another Gruffalo book, admitted he couldn't resist Donaldson's new text. "Till one day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not," he remarked. Scheffler also highlighted that the Gruffalos will engage in charitable activities with the National Literacy Trust to reach more young readers.
Global Impact and Exciting Launch Plans
The Gruffalo series has achieved remarkable success, with The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child selling over 18 million copies combined and being translated into 115 languages and dialects. To celebrate the new release, fans will get a first look at Gruffalo Granny through a never-before-seen illustration by Scheffler, projected in central London and Glasgow on Friday evening.
Alison Ruane, managing director at Macmillan Children's Books, emphasised the global excitement surrounding the announcement. "The impact that Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and The Gruffalo have had on families around the world can not be underestimated," she said, encouraging families to experience the story together during the National Year of Reading.
Legacy of a Dynamic Duo
Donaldson and Scheffler's collaborations extend beyond the Gruffalo, including beloved titles such as The Snail And The Whale, Room On The Broom, and Stick Man. Their stories have become festive staples through televised animations and stage adaptations, cementing their place in children's literature.
As September approaches, the anticipation builds for this new chapter in the Gruffalo saga, promising to enchant both children and adults with its timeless charm and engaging narrative.
