The beloved Gruffalo universe is set to expand with the announcement of a new story featuring the iconic character, titled *Gruffalo Granny*. Scheduled for release on 10 September, this latest addition comes over two decades after the previous sequel, *The Gruffalo’s Child*, and promises to enchant a new generation of readers.
A Long-Awaited Return
The new book, penned by renowned author Julia Donaldson, follows the adventures of the Gruffalo and introduces a charming new character, Gruffalo Granny. In a delightful excerpt, Donaldson teases, “The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay.” This new tale will reunite fans with familiar characters such as Fox, Snake, Owl, and Mouse, all beautifully illustrated by Donaldson’s long-time collaborator, Axel Scheffler.
Donaldson initially hinted at the project in April 2025, motivated by a campaign aimed at reversing the decline in children’s reading. Reflecting on the challenge of creating a sequel, she noted, “It’s always a challenge to write a sequel. 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.”
Inspiration from Literacy Initiatives
The author revealed that her creative spark was ignited by the National Literacy Trust’s *Early Words Matter* programme, which used the first two Gruffalo books to encourage reading among young children. “I had the basic idea for the story a long time ago but couldn’t think how to develop it,” she explained. “It was only when I saw the impact of the Trust’s work that I was inspired to bring my idea to life.”
Scheffler echoed her sentiments, admitting that he once dismissed the idea of returning to the Gruffalo world. “Never say never – a lesson learnt for me,” he remarked. “How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not.” He expressed excitement about the project, stating that he was eager to create new illustrations that would resonate with both children and adults alike.
Celebrating Reading and Community
In a show of support for literacy, the Gruffalo characters are set to participate in charitable activities aimed at reaching more young readers, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust. The previous titles have collectively sold over 18 million copies and have been translated into 115 languages, highlighting their global impact and enduring popularity.
Fans will have the opportunity to preview the new book with an exclusive display of never-before-seen illustrations by Scheffler, projected across central London and Glasgow on the announcement day. Alison Ruane, managing director at Macmillan Children’s Books, expressed her pride in publishing Donaldson and Scheffler, stating, “The sheer amount of global excitement following the announcement of the new book has been evidence of this. We can’t wait for children and families to experience this new story together, especially in the National Year of Reading.”
Why it Matters
The introduction of *Gruffalo Granny* signifies not just a continuation of a beloved series, but also an important cultural moment in promoting literacy among children. As Donaldson and Scheffler’s creations continue to inspire reading, the latest addition to the Gruffalo legacy reinforces the importance of storytelling in fostering a love for books. This new adventure promises to be a delightful experience for families, encouraging shared reading moments that can strengthen bonds and ignite imaginations.
