Julia Donaldson announces Gruffalo Granny, the first new Gruffalo book for 20 years
A brand new Gruffalo story is coming, with a new character, Gruffalo Granny, revealed by Julia Donaldson
Children’s author Julia Donaldson has finally revealed the title and lead character of her long-awaited third Gruffalo book, and it is news that will thrill parents who know the story off by heart.
The new book is called Gruffalo Granny and introduces a brand new family member to the much-loved monster, more than 20 years after the original story first appeared on bedtime shelves.
The announcement was made live on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, with Donaldson describing the book as a sequel she has been quietly thinking about for years.
The book will be published in hardback and as an audiobook in September, according to publisher Macmillan Children’s Books.
A new Gruffalo family member arrives
Gruffalo Granny will be the third book in the series, following The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. Alongside the new character, familiar favourites including the clever mouse, fox, owl and snake will all return for what the publisher has described as “an exciting new adventure”.
Julia Donaldson, who writes the books alongside illustrator Axel Scheffler, admitted that returning to the deep dark wood was not straightforward.
“It’s always a challenge to write a sequel,” she said on Today.
Donaldson explained that the idea for Gruffalo Granny had been with her for a long time, but life and other projects kept getting in the way.
“I’ve had this idea for the best part of two decades, but I’ve just been so busy writing other things,” she said. “And now of course I’m a granny myself, so maybe that’s what spurred me on.”
Why it took 20 years to write
In a statement released alongside the announcement, Donaldson shared more about what finally helped her bring the story to life.
She said: “I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn’t think how to develop it.”
The turning point came when the National Literacy Trust used the first two Gruffalo books as part of its Early Words Matter programme.
“It was only when the National Literacy Trust, whose work I’m very impressed by, used the first two books as part of their Early Words Matter programme that 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 said.
“To my surprise, I managed to do just that!”
I really hope that children and adults too will enjoy the new story, as I know what a wonderful experience shared reading can be.
For many parents, that emphasis on shared reading will ring true, especially for books that become part of nightly routines and family memories.
Axel Scheffler says “never say never”
Illustrator Axel Scheffler, whose distinctive artwork has helped define the Gruffalo world since 1999, admitted he had long insisted there would never be another sequel.
“I’ve been saying for more than 20 years there won’t be a sequel, and it’s taught me to never say never,” he said.
“It was a complete surprise for me, but Julia came up with such a wonderful story and I got very excited about it.”
Scheffler added that he had not completely left the Gruffalo behind over the years.
“I’ve drawn the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the last 20 years, and was therefore not completely out of practice when the new story arrived,” he said.
What we know about the story so far
While the full plot is being kept under wraps, one line from the book has already been revealed:
“The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, ‘Your Gruffalo granny is coming to stay.’”
Both previous books are written in rhyming couplets and set in a woodland full of predators outwitted by a small but fearless mouse, and readers can expect a similar tone and rhythm in the new story.
The first two Gruffalo books have sold more than 18 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 115 languages and dialects.
When can we see Gruffalo Granny?
Macmillan Children’s Books has confirmed that the first image of Gruffalo Granny will be revealed on Friday evening, with the character projected in locations across both London and Glasgow.
Alison Ruane, managing director at Macmillan Children’s Books, said the impact of the Gruffalo stories “cannot be underestimated” and noted how pleased the publisher is that the book will be released during the National Year of Reading.
For parents who grew up with The Gruffalo themselves, Gruffalo Granny looks set to become another classic to pass down, and another excuse to curl up for a shared story at the end of the day.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.