Julia Donaldson has revealed the title of the third book in the much-loved Gruffalo series; publishing later this year is Gruffalo Granny. Written by Julia Donaldson in collaboration with illustrator Axel Scheffler, with whom she regularly works, the latest and hotly-anticipated children’s book is twenty years in the making.
As the title suggests, Gruffalo Granny will be the central character, introducing the family member for the first time. While old favourites from the first two books will also return for “an exciting new adventure”, publisher Macmillan said.
Popular children’s picture book, The Gruffalo, first published in 1999, over 25 years ago. It was later followed by 2004’s sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child. The first two books have sold more than 18 million copies, according to publisher Macmillan Children’s Books, and have both been adapted into animated short films that have fast become festive TV favourites.
A third book to be added to the series was announced last year, and now we have a name for the upcoming publication, which was announced on BBC Radio 4‘s Today programme this month.
“I’ve had this idea for the best part of two decades, but I’ve just been so busy writing other things,” Donaldson told Today. “And now of course I’m a granny myself, so maybe that’s what spurred me on.”
Axel Scheffler added: “I’ve been saying for more than 20 years there won’t be a sequel, and it’s taught me to never say never.
“It was a complete surprise for me, but Julia came up with such a wonderful story and I got very excited about it.”
So far, the story’s plot is under wraps, however an illustration of Gruffalo Granny has been shared by Macmillan Children’s Books along with a line from the upcoming publication: “The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, ‘Your Gruffalo granny is coming to stay.'”
Gruffalo Granny publishes September 2026, and is available to pre-order now!
