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Julia Donaldson, the renowned children’s author, has announced the title and main character of her eagerly awaited new addition to the Gruffalo series. The forthcoming book, titled *Gruffalo Granny*, marks the third installment in the beloved series about the iconic monster and his woodland companions. Set to be published in hardback and released as an audiobook on 10 September, this new story will introduce a fresh family member while bringing back familiar characters from the previous books for another thrilling adventure, according to publisher Macmillan.
The news was shared during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme last Friday. Donaldson, who collaborates closely with illustrator Axel Scheffler, acknowledged the challenges involved in crafting a sequel, saying, “It’s always a challenge to write a sequel.” She also revealed that the concept for the story had been percolating for nearly twenty years but had been postponed due to other commitments. With her becoming a grandmother herself, Donaldson found new inspiration to develop the tale. Meanwhile, Scheffler expressed surprise at the project, noting, “I’ve been saying for more than 20 years there won’t be a sequel… but Julia came up with such a wonderful story and I got very excited about it.”
Since its debut in 1999, *The Gruffalo* has become a worldwide sensation, with over 18 million copies sold in 115 languages and dialects. The adventure of the clever mouse navigating a deep dark wood filled with predators is told through rhyming couplets, enchanting both children and adults alike. The sequel, *The Gruffalo’s Child*, came out five years later and further cemented the series’ popularity, earning an animated adaptation that was nominated for a Bafta. The original story also inspired an Oscar-nominated short film in 2009 featuring voices from notable actors such as James Corden and Helena Bonham Carter.
The new book will reintroduce beloved characters, including the fox, snake, owl, and the brave mouse, while bringing in the Gruffalo’s grandmother. The sole known excerpt from the upcoming story reads: “The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, Your Gruffalo granny is coming to stay.” Scheffler, who had long resisted the idea of another Gruffalo tale, now embraces it enthusiastically, recalling, “How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not!” He also mentioned having sketched the Gruffalo family sporadically over the years, preparing him for this latest project. The launch will be celebrated with a first reveal of Gruffalo Granny’s illustration through projections in Glasgow and London. Publisher Macmillan’s managing director, Alison Ruane, highlighted the profound impact the characters have had on families worldwide and expressed delight at releasing the book during the National Year of Reading
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