Children’s book author Julia Donaldson recently shared in an interview that when she initially penned the popular book “The Gruffalo” over 20 years ago, she had doubts about its success. Donaldson revealed that she never imagined the book would be published, let alone become a hit. The story, set in the deep, dark woods, features a clever mouse weaving tales to outsmart potential predators, a departure from the prevalent trends in children’s literature at the time.
Fast forward to today, 26 years after the unexpected triumph of “The Gruffalo,” Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler have unveiled “Gruffalo Granny,” the latest addition to the beloved series. This installment, which Donaldson hints may be the final one, continues the saga of the Gruffalo family preparing a grand feast to welcome Gruffalo Granny, a character known for her insatiable appetite.
Despite the passage of time, Donaldson revealed that the writing process for “Gruffalo Granny” mirrored her experience with “The Gruffalo” decades ago. She emphasized focusing on crafting a compelling story rather than catering to a specific audience. However, promoting the new book proved to be a different challenge altogether, with the introduction of Gruffalo Granny on a grand scale, including an impressive projection at the British Library.
The reception for “Gruffalo Granny” has been overwhelmingly positive, with the book swiftly becoming the best-selling title of 2026 in the UK across all genres and age groups. Within just three days of its release, the book sold an impressive 227,169 copies, setting a record as the fastest-selling picture book in the UK.
Alison Ruane, the managing director of Macmillan Children’s Books, praised the enduring charm of Donaldson and Scheffler’s collaboration, noting how the Gruffalo characters resonate with both old fans and a new generation. While Donaldson hinted that her time with the Gruffalo family might be coming to a close, she teased an upcoming book titled “Winnifred Duck,” inspired by the true story of rubber ducks lost at sea and their remarkable journey across oceans, set to be released early next year.
