Gruffalo Granny Returns After Two Decades Away

It’s not every day that a monster with orange eyes, a black tongue, and purple prickles becomes a household name. But for a quarter of a century, the Gruffalo—crafted by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler—has prowled the imaginations of millions, earning a place beside beloved literary creatures like the Jabberwock and the Lion and the Unicorn. Now, in a move that has sparked excitement across generations, Donaldson and Scheffler are bringing the Gruffalo back for a brand-new adventure: Gruffalo Granny, set for global release on September 10, 2026.

The announcement, made on February 6, 2026, during Donaldson’s interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, sent a ripple of anticipation through the literary world and beyond. As Donaldson revealed, “I’ve had this idea for two decades but I’ve just been so busy writing other things... and now I’m a granny myself maybe that’s what spurred me on.” The new title marks the first addition to the series in over 20 years, following the original The Gruffalo (1999) and its sequel The Gruffalo’s Child (2004).

For fans, the news is nothing short of magical. The Gruffalo’s world will expand with the arrival of Granny, a new family member who’s sure to charm readers alongside familiar faces like Fox, Snake, Owl, and the ever-resourceful Mouse. As publisher Macmillan Children’s Books put it, the third book promises “an exciting new adventure,” blending old favorites with fresh narrative energy.

Donaldson’s journey to this moment is itself a story of persistence and inspiration. She explained to the BBC, “I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn’t think how to develop it.” The spark came from an unexpected source: the National Literacy Trust’s Early Words Matter programme, which used the first two Gruffalo books to encourage early childhood reading. Donaldson said, “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. To my surprise, I managed to do just that!”

The Gruffalo’s enduring appeal is no accident. Donaldson’s clever, rhyming prose—originally inspired by a Chinese fable—tells the tale of a little brown mouse who outsmarts predators in the deep dark wood, a story of courage and cunning that’s become as familiar to children as the tales of Hansel and Gretel. The books, illustrated by Scheffler’s vibrant, expressive artwork, have sold more than 18 million copies and been translated into 115 languages and dialects, according to BBC News. Their reach extends far beyond the printed page: televised adaptations have become festive staples, and stage versions have delighted audiences worldwide.

Axel Scheffler, who has illustrated every Gruffalo story since the beginning, brings a deeply personal touch to his work. Raised in post-war Germany and trained at the Bath Academy of Art, Scheffler’s path to children’s illustration began with solitary hours spent drawing as a child. His first collaboration with Donaldson, A Squash and a Squeeze, set the stage for a partnership that would shape the landscape of modern children’s literature. When Donaldson first presented the Gruffalo manuscript—rescued from a publisher’s archives—Scheffler’s imagination transformed her words into the now-iconic monster. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing: early sketches were deemed too frightening for young readers, prompting a creative back-and-forth that eventually yielded the Gruffalo’s perfect mix of menace and warmth. As Scheffler himself put it, “Never say never—a lesson learnt for me who, whenever asked, denied the possibility of another visit to the deep dark wood. Till one day out of the blue, there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not!”

Donaldson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the challenge and joy of revisiting the Gruffalo’s world after so many years. “It’s always a challenge to write a sequel,” she admitted on BBC Radio 4, but her son’s encouragement and the renewed focus on childhood literacy gave her the final push. “He said, ‘Mum, what you should do is just spend about a fortnight really, really trying to write the new story that’s semi in your head. If you can’t do that, that’s the whole thing knocked on the head.’ I thought that was very good advice.”

The new book’s only revealed line so far—“The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, ‘Your Gruffalo granny is coming to stay’”—hints at a gentle, intergenerational theme that’s likely to resonate with families. The partnership between Donaldson and Scheffler remains as strong as ever, with Donaldson calling his illustrations “brilliant” and Scheffler sharing his delight at returning to the deep dark wood. “There is something in the Gruffalo books that reflects our personal history,” Scheffler told The Independent, suggesting a depth and authenticity that has always set the series apart.

As part of the book’s launch, fans will be treated to a first look at Scheffler’s new illustration of Gruffalo Granny, projected in central London and Glasgow on the evening of February 6, 2026. Alison Ruane, managing director at Macmillan Children’s Books, underscored the global excitement, saying, “The impact that Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and The Gruffalo have had on families around the world can not be underestimated, the sheer amount of global excitement following the announcement of the new book has been evidence of this.” She also highlighted the significance of the release coinciding with the National Year of Reading, a nod to the series’ role in fostering literacy and shared reading experiences.

Donaldson and Scheffler’s creative partnership extends well beyond the Gruffalo, encompassing beloved titles like Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale, and A Squash and a Squeeze. Their stories, often adapted for television and stage, have become touchstones for families, educators, and young readers. The Gruffalo’s cultural impact is further cemented by its animated adaptations: the original story was turned into an Oscar-nominated short film in 2009, with a Bafta-nominated sequel following two years later.

Despite the passage of time, the Gruffalo’s essence remains unchanged—a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the simple magic of a well-told story. As Scheffler reflected, “The Gruffalo hasn’t changed after all these years.” With Gruffalo Granny poised to introduce a new generation to the deep dark wood, it’s clear that some monsters—especially the friendly, wise, and slightly prickly kind—are here to stay.