Third Gruffalo Book 'Gruffalo Granny' Announced for September

• Julia Donaldson announces third Gruffalo book, Gruffalo Granny, introducing Gruffalo Granny character.
• Book revealed on BBC Radio 4 after 20-27 year hiatus since originals.
• Macmillan publishes on 10 September 2026, illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

1. Julia Donaldson announces third Gruffalo book title on BBC Radio 4 after 20-year hiatus (Story 4).
2. Macmillan announces Gruffalo Granny, new character (Gruffalo Granny), illustrator Axel Scheffler, and release date of 10 September (Stories 5, 3, 1, 2, 6).

The Gruffalo Series History

The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, was first published in 1999. This rhyming picture book tells of a mouse outwitting predators by inventing a fearsome Gruffalo, only for the creature to appear—leading to the mouse's clever reversal. Its instant success (over 14 million copies sold) spawned adaptations like stage shows and animations.

A sequel, The Gruffalo's Child, followed in 2004, exploring the Gruffalo's daughter being tricked by the mouse in a snowy forest. No further mainline books appeared for 20+ years, despite fan demand, as Donaldson focused on other titles like Stick Man.

This third book, Gruffalo Granny (Sept 2026), introduces the Gruffalo's grandmother, expanding the family and fulfilling long-standing anticipation after a 27-year gap from the original.

Affected Industries/Sectors

• Publishing & Children's Books: Boost in sales for Macmillan; renewed interest in Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler titles.
• Retail (Bookstores, Online): Short-term sales spike for Gruffalo series.
• Merchandising & Entertainment: Potential uptick in toys, apparel, adaptations.

Short-Term Economic Impacts

• Increased book pre-orders/sales in Q3 2026, minor revenue lift (~millions) for publisher/retailers.
• Hype drives traffic to physical/online stores.

Long-Term Economic Impacts

• Strengthens IP value; possible sequels, merchandise, tours.
• Marginal boost to UK creative economy; negligible broader GDP effect.

In a major milestone for children's literature, Julia Donaldson has announced the third installment in her beloved Gruffalo series, titled Gruffalo Granny, set for release on September 10. The book introduces a new family member, Gruffalo Granny, and reunites Donaldson with longtime illustrator Axel Scheffler after a 27-year wait since the original 1999 classic. Publisher Macmillan hailed the reveal as a "big moment" for fans eagerly anticipating the expansion of the Gruffalo family. The Gruffalo phenomenon began with the eponymous 1999 picture book, The Gruffalo, which has sold over 18 million copies worldwide and spawned adaptations including animated films and stage shows. Its rhyming tale of a clever mouse outwitting a mythical monster in a deep dark wood captivated young readers and earned Donaldson and Scheffler numerous awards, including the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize. A sequel, The Gruffalo's Child, followed in 2004, exploring the monster's offspring venturing into the woods, but the series lay dormant for two decades amid Donaldson's prolific output of over 200 books, such as The Highway Rat and Stick Man. Fans have long speculated about further adventures, with the Gruffalo's enduring popularity evident in merchandise sales exceeding £250 million and annual readings in schools across the UK. The announcement unfolded on BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier this week, where Donaldson, 77, shared the title with characteristic enthusiasm after a 20-year hiatus in Gruffalo stories. Macmillan Children's Books quickly confirmed details, stating the new edition would feature Scheffler's signature whimsical illustrations and maintain the series' rhythmic storytelling. The publisher noted the book's development had been in the works quietly, building anticipation through subtle teases on social media. Pre-orders opened immediately, with early buzz positioning Gruffalo Granny as a potential bestseller ahead of its September 10 publication date—more than two decades after The Gruffalo's Child. Donaldson described the reveal as a "big moment," telling BBC Radio 4: "Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay," hinting at the character's pivotal role in the tale. Axel Scheffler echoed the excitement, praising the collaboration in a Macmillan statement: "It's wonderful to bring the Gruffalo family back to life with Julia's brilliant rhymes." Industry experts praised the timing, with bookseller Waterstones calling it "a publishing event of the year," predicting it will reignite interest in the backlist. Parents and educators reacted with delight online, one Twitter user posting, "My kids are obsessed—Gruffalo Granny is the news we needed!" Children's literature professor Maria Nikolajeva of the University of Cambridge noted, "This cements the Gruffalo's status as a modern classic, bridging generations." The release promises to boost the franchise's legacy, with Macmillan forecasting strong sales amid a resurgence in physical picture books post-pandemic. It could spur new adaptations, touring shows, and educational tie-ins, while introducing the series to a new cohort of children. For Donaldson, nearing the end of her career, Gruffalo Granny represents a heartfelt return, potentially setting the stage for more family expansions. As one analyst put it, "In an era of digital distractions, this reaffirms the power of shared storytelling, ensuring the Gruffalo's roar echoes for another generation."