Julia Donaldson Unveils Gruffalo Granny After Two-Decade Wait
Renowned children's author Julia Donaldson has officially revealed the upcoming third instalment in the Gruffalo series, titled Gruffalo Granny, marking a significant return to the deep dark wood after more than twenty years. The announcement was made during a special event at the British Library in London, where Donaldson read from the first two stories to an audience of schoolchildren.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Gruffalo Universe
The new book follows 2004's The Gruffalo's Child, which itself was a sequel to the original 1999 bestseller The Gruffalo. Donaldson expressed relief at finally sharing the news publicly, stating it had been challenging to keep the project under wraps. "It was quite hard keeping the secret for so long and I'm glad it didn't leak out," she told the Press Association. "That's one of the reasons we revealed it, because there are so many foreign publishers, so many people know about it."
Inspired by Grandmotherhood and Personal Memories
Donaldson, who has nine grandchildren, explained that the concept of Gruffalo Granny reflects her deep appreciation for grandmotherhood. "I really enjoy being a granny myself," she said. "I've got very good memories of my own granny, who read me stories. She lived upstairs in our house and she read me Edward Lear and Alice In Wonderland and things like that so I'm a big fan of grandmotherhood."
The idea for the character had been simmering for years, with Donaldson noting she often mentioned it to others. "I did think about a Gruffalo Granny a long time ago," she admitted. "But like any seed you never know when it's going to germinate, this one just took a very long time."
Visual Details and Collaborative Process
The first image of Gruffalo Granny was projected onto the British Library, showcasing distinct features that set her apart from the original Gruffalo. She sports grey fur, red prickles on her back, green eyes, and carries a walking stick and knapsack. In contrast, the Gruffalo has purple prickles and orange eyes.
Illustrator Axel Scheffler, Donaldson's frequent collaborator, brought the character to life based on the text alone. Donaldson recalled suggesting adjustments to ensure Granny had a unique appearance. "He just had the text but I think when he did the first picture I thought she looked a bit too like the Gruffalo so I suggested she had different coloured eyes, so she's got green eyes," she explained. "She's got red prickles and a blue wart instead of a green wart, and the grey fur of a slightly more mature gruffalo."
Commitment to Children's Literacy and Reading
The announcement of Gruffalo Granny was first made in April 2025, driven by Donaldson's campaign to address declining children's reading rates. As a former children's laureate, she emphasised the importance of fostering a love for books. "As a lover of books and reading, I think it's not just important but enjoyable, it's huge fun," she stated. "My main thing is I think there should be more primary school libraries and librarians so for any children that do slip through the net, that's where they can discover a love of reading."
Legacy and Future Publication
The Gruffalo series has achieved remarkable success, with over 18 million copies sold worldwide and translations into 115 languages and dialects. Donaldson and Scheffler's collaborations extend beyond the Gruffalo, including popular titles like The Snail And The Whale and Room On The Broom, many of which have been adapted into televised animations and stage productions.
Gruffalo Granny will feature returning characters such as Fox, Snake, Owl, and Mouse. The book is scheduled for publication on September 10, 2026, by Macmillan Children's Books, promising to delight a new generation of readers while honouring the series' enduring legacy.
