He’s hairy.
He’s got sharp teeth.
He’s been outsmarted by a mouse.
He’s back.
Yes, family favourite Gruffalo is returning to bookshelves next year in a brand new adventure – the monster’s first in more than two decades.
Publisher Macmillan Children’s Books confirmed the news today, promising a fresh tale from British writer Julia Donaldson, following 1999’s “The Gruffalo” and 2004’s “The Gruffalo’s Child”.
The first two books – among the most popular children’s titles in the world – are available in 113 languages and dialects, and have sold a combined 18.2 million copies worldwide. The original Gruffalo book has been adapted into plays and an Academy Award-nominated animated film – which is well worth seeking out.
ETA for the new, as-yet-untitled story? September 2026.
Donaldson said she was inspired to write the third Gruffalo story after seeing how the National Literacy Trust (NLT) charity had used the previous tales in their work encouraging young children to read.
“I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn’t think how to develop it,” Donaldson said while announcing the forthcoming book. “It was only when the NLT 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.”
“I was, of course, delighted when Axel came on board, and am even more so now that I’ve seen the brilliant sketches he’s already done for the new book,” added Donaldson.
Indeed, German illustrator Axel Scheffler is also back – which is even better news for fans of Gruffalo.
Scheffler said: “Never say never – a lesson learned 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!”
Macmillan will be partnering with NLT and other charitable organisations across the globe for the publication of the new book, with plans to drive an international children’s reading and storytelling campaign.
Jonathan Douglas, NLT’s chief executive, said: “Reading and sharing stories is critical for shaping a child’s early speech and language development and we can’t think of a better way to support families in igniting their children’s love of stories and reading than with the magic and influence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo.”
The third Gruffalo book will hit shelves in September 2026.
Additional sources • Macmillan Children’s Books
