'Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay': new story to be released in September

Macmillan Announces Third Gruffalo Book: 'Gruffalo Granny' Set to Delight Young Readers in September.

The beloved Gruffalo family is expanding, with Julia Donaldson's new book, 'Gruffalo Granny', set to hit shelves on 10th September. The third installment in the series comes more than two decades after Donaldson's previous foray into the deep dark wood with 'The Gruffalo's Child'. Despite a 20-year gap between the original and its sequel, fans can rest assured that the magical world of Gruffalo will continue to captivate young readers.

In an exclusive interview, Donaldson shared her inspiration 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." She credits the National Literacy Trust with rekindling her passion for the project, stating: "It was only when the National Literacy Trust 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."

The new tale promises to be just as enchanting, with Gruffalo Granny making her debut. According to Axel Scheffler, who has collaborated with Donaldson on numerous occasions, "Never say never – a lesson learnt for me who, whenever asked, denied the possibility of another visit to the deep dark wood." The duo's partnership has yielded some of the most iconic children's books in recent years, including 'The Snail and the Whale' and 'Stick Man'.

Fans will have an early look at Scheffler's never-before-seen illustration, which will be projected in central London and Glasgow on Friday evening. This is just another reason to get excited about the upcoming release of 'Gruffalo Granny', set to delight young readers worldwide this September.

The Gruffalo and its accompanying books have sold over 18 million copies combined, with translations in over 115 languages and dialects. It's clear that Julia Donaldson's magical world will continue to be a staple for children's literature, captivating the hearts of fans around the globe.

OMG u gotta read 'Gruffalo Granny'!! I mean like it's not even a question anymore! The Gruffalo fam is back and I'm SO here for it . 20 yrs after the last book came out, Julia Donaldson is still killing the game . And can we talk about Axel Scheffler's illustrations? He's like the king of children's book art ‍.

I'm low-key a bit surprised it took this long for Gruffalo Granny to come out tho . Five yrs is a looong time, and I was starting to think they'd never make another one . But props to Julia for rekindling her passion with the National Literacy Trust .

What's also crazy is that it's sold over 18 MILLION copies combined ! Like, what even is that?!

I'm wondering if we ever truly outgrow our childhood imaginations or do they just get reawakened as we grow older? I mean, think about it, 'Gruffalo Granny' is a new addition to the beloved series that's been delighting young readers for decades. And now, we're being introduced to this new character who's essentially Gruffalo's granny... it's like a new chapter in an old story.

What does it say about our society that children's books can still captivate us as adults? Like, I know I'm excited to see Axel Scheffler's illustration and I've been following the series for years. It's just proof that sometimes, the magic of childhood isn't lost on us - it's just rediscovered in new ways.

And have you ever noticed how the Gruffalo series has become this cultural phenomenon? Like, we're all familiar with these characters and their world is so richly detailed... but what does that say about our collective imagination?

just imagine what gruffalo granny would be like lol she sounds so cool I love how axel scheffler is already hyping it up and he has the best illustrations anyway i was thinking about how julia donaldson's books are more than just for kids they're like a journey to another world where you can escape from reality and just be magical

Wow the Gruffalo family is getting even cuter! I'm so down for another adventure with Gruffalo Granny I love how Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson are still killing it together 18 million copies sold?! that's insane can't wait to see what they've got in store for us this September

I'm so stoked about the new Gruffalo book ! I mean, it's been ages since we last saw Gruffalo Granny and I'm literally counting down the days until September. The fact that Julia Donaldson is revisiting the magical world of Gruffalo after a 20-year gap just shows how much she cares about her fans. And let's be real, Axel Scheffler's illustrations are just the best . I love how he always brings this amazing world to life in his artwork. It's no wonder their books have sold over 18 million copies worldwide - they're pure magic . Can't wait to see Gruffalo Granny come to life and bring joy to young readers everywhere

omg i'm so stoked about this new gruffalo book!!! i mean who wouldn't want to see gruffalo granny on shelves?! it's been ages since we got an update on the series and julia donaldson is back with another one! 20 years between books was a looong time, so imo this new installment better deliver. also, axel scheffler is literally the master of children's book illustrations - can't wait to see his never-seen-before art for gruffalo granny

The Gruffalo series is like a well-oiled machine, you know? Like, it's been decades since the first book came out and yet we're still getting new installments. I think what's amazing about Julia Donaldson's writing style is how she can create this whole world that's both magical and relatable at the same time. And Axel Scheffler's illustrations are always on point!

I love how the National Literacy Trust got involved with this new book, too - it's awesome to see organizations like that helping to bring reading to kids. It's no surprise that the Gruffalo series has become a staple in children's literature, though... those books just have something special to them.

Personally, I'm super excited for 'Gruffalo Granny' and can't wait to see what Axel Scheffler comes up with this time around! I mean, 20 years is a long time to wait for a sequel, but it sounds like Julia Donaldson's passion project has been rekindled. Here's hoping the new book is just as enchanting as the rest of them!

omg you guys i am literally so hyped about this new Gruffalo book!! i mean 20 years since the last one and still julia donaldson is killing it with these stories she has this gift for making these characters come alive and i can already imagine how adorable gruffalo granny is gonna be Axel scheffler's illustration style is literally the best and i'm not even surprised he's a part of this masterpiece the national literacy trust is amazing too for getting julia inspired again it just goes to show that reading and books are so powerful in sparking our creativity and passion what i love about the gruffalo series is how relatable it is for kids but also for us adults who still get to experience the magic of childhood can't wait to read this new book in sept

I'm so hyped about the new Gruffalo book ! I mean, who doesn't love the Gruffalo family? Julia Donaldson is a genius and Axel Scheffler's illustrations are always . Can't wait to see the new granny in action ! The fact that it's been 20 years since the last book is crazy , but I'm sure it'll be worth the wait . The Gruffalo series has brought so much joy to kids and adults alike , and I'm thrilled to see it continue to captivate young readers worldwide . Bring on September!

OMG, I'm literally so hyped about 'Gruffalo Granny'!!! I mean, it's been like forever since we've seen more of those adorable characters and now Julia Donaldson is back with another masterpiece! Axel Scheffler's illustrations are always on point, so I know this book is gonna be a visual treat . Can't wait to dive into the world of Gruffalo again, 20 years on... time flies, right? September can't come soon enough for me, pre-ordering my copy ASAP

OMG u gotta love how jules dont stop pushin her creative boundaries ! Like literally 20 years between Gruffalo & child was like forever but shes still got that spark ! And now we get to meet Gruffalo Granny cant wait to see Axel's sick new artwork - it's gonna be lit . Tho its defo a challenge writin sequels , gotta keep it fresh & exciting for the youngins but julia always gets it right . The fact that she was inspired by @nlt (National Literacy Trust) to come up w/ this new story is just everything #GruffaloGranny

omg i'm so hyped about the new Gruffalo book it's been like forever since the last one and i remember loving those stories as a kid julia donaldson is such a genius for coming up with this new concept - gruffalo granny sounds adorable axel scheffler's art always makes my heart skip a beat can't wait to see more of their collab in september

OMG, I'm beyond stoked about the new Gruffalo book, 'Gruffalo Granny' ! 20 years after The Gruffalo's Child, it's amazing that Julia Donaldson is back with a new tale for young readers. Axel Scheffler's illustration skills are always on point, and I've got a feeling this one is gonna be EPIC . I'm so down for another adventure in the deep dark wood, and Gruffalo Granny sounds like an awesome addition to the family . Can't wait to dive into the story and see what kind of magic Donaldson & Scheffler come up with this time around... September can't come soon enough