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Children’s literature fans have reason to celebrate, as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have announced the long-awaited return of one of the most beloved characters in modern storytelling, the Gruffalo. For the first time in more than two decades, a brand-new Gruffalo book is on the way, marking a momentous occasion for families, readers, and nostalgic fans alike.
The new book will be the third in the wildly popular Gruffalo series, following the original The Gruffalo (1999) and its enchanting sequel The Gruffalo’s Child (2004). This latest instalment will reunite Donaldson with her long-time collaborator and illustrator Axel Scheffler, whose instantly recognisable artwork helped cement the Gruffalo as a global icon in children’s literature.
Announcing the project, publisher Macmillan Children’s Books hailed the return as part of a “bestselling phenomenon” that has captured imaginations worldwide. And it’s no exaggeration: Julia Donaldson has sold nearly 50 million books throughout her storied career, with over three million of those sales attributed to the Gruffalo alone. The tale has been translated into a staggering 133 languages, from Icelandic to Igbo, enchanting children across continents.
Speaking to The Bookseller, Donaldson revealed the lengthy journey behind the new story: “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. I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn’t think how to develop it.”
Though details of the plot are being kept under wraps for now, Donaldson’s comments suggest this new tale has been many years in the making, slowly simmering until the right spark of inspiration arrived. Fans can likely expect the return of the deep, dark wood, a fresh adventure, and more of the rhyme and rhythm that have become Donaldson’s hallmark.
The Gruffalo’s return will no doubt ignite fresh excitement among younger readers and a wave of nostalgia for the generations that grew up with him. As the literary world eagerly anticipates a glimpse inside the pages, one thing is certain: the mouse and the monster who became a classic are ready to make magic once again.
The Gruffalo is back, and this time, it’s been worth the wait.
