When Julia Donaldson penned the cherished children’s book The Gruffalo over twenty years ago, she didn’t anticipate much success for it.
“I never thought it would be published, let alone become a favorite,” Donaldson shared with As It Happens host Nil KÓ§ksal.
At that time, the story, featuring a clever mouse fabricating tales about a terrifying monster to escape being eaten by predators in “the deep, dark woods,” seemed rather grim for children’s literature.
Moreover, rhyming tales were not popular in 1999, according to Donaldson.
“So, I think it really defied expectations,” Donaldson remarked.
Now, 26 years after The Gruffalo unexpectedly became a hit, Donaldson and her illustrator, Axel Scheffler, have released Gruffalo Granny, the third—and probably final—addition to the beloved series following 2004’s The Gruffalo’s Child.
“I don’t foresee writing another Gruffalo book,” she stated.
Granny has an ‘enormous appetite’
The latest book depicts the original Gruffalo and his child preparing a feast to greet Gruffalo Granny, who is known for her “enormous appetite.” The clever mouse from the first story finds itself once again in danger.
According to Donaldson, the experience of writing Gruffalo Granny felt strikingly similar to creating The Gruffalo over two decades ago.
“I rarely think about the audience. I focus on the narrative itself,” she explained. “While writing, I’m entirely dedicated to making it the best it can be in my view.”
Gruffalo Granny is the third book in the cherished children’s book series about monsters in the ‘deep, dark woods.’ (Pan Macmillan/Publishers Group Canada)
However, launching and marketing this new entry has been an entirely different experience, she noted.
“It has been quite a different magnitude,” she remarked. “It has truly been wonderful.”
The publisher, Pan Macmillan, introduced the character of Gruffalo Granny by projecting an illustration onto the British Library in London in early September.
Just 10 days after its release, it became the top-selling book in the U.K. for 2026, across all genres and age groups, according to NielsenIQ BookScan’s Official Top 50.
“We’ve been outpacing all the adult titles, which is very gratifying,” Donaldson added.
With 227,169 copies sold in its first three days, it also holds the record for the fastest-selling picture book in the U.K., as reported by the publisher.
“This reflects the lasting charm that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler create together, and the affection for this family of characters,” stated Alison Ruane, managing director of Macmillan Children’s Books in a press release.
“Adults who cherished the original Gruffalo are now sharing Gruffalo Granny with their children, and many grandparents are purchasing it for their grandchildren as well. We are immensely proud to be part of this.”
Children’s book author Julia Donaldson, left, and illustrator Axel Scheffler are the creative duo behind the Gruffalo series. (Urszula Soltys/Publishers Group Canada)
Although Donaldson feels her journey with the Gruffalo characters is complete, her career as a children’s author is far from over. Her forthcoming book, Winnifred Duck, is set to be released early next year,
Illustrated by Jim Fields, it tells the true story of a cargo ship container that encountered turbulent weather in the North Pacific and lost 28,000 rubber ducks destined for China in the ocean. These toys later washed ashore in various locations worldwide, providing scientists with valuable insights about ocean currents.
“As soon as I heard that story, I knew I had to write a book about it,” Donaldson said.
