Author Julia Donaldson has revealed "Gruffalo Granny," the third book in the beloved Gruffalo series, more than two decades after its predecessor. The first image of the new character was unveiled Friday evening via a dramatic projection on the British Library in London, marking a major literary event for a series that has sold over 18 million copies worldwide.
Donaldson read the first two Gruffalo stories to schoolchildren before revealing the character. Granny features grey fur, red prickles on her back, green eyes and a blue wart - contrasting with the original Gruffalo's famous purple prickles, orange eyes and green wart. The character carries a walking stick and knapsack, with Fox, Snake, Owl and Mouse all returning in the story.
Personal Connection to Grandmotherhood
The former children's laureate, who has nine grandchildren herself, drew on personal experience for the book. «I really enjoy being a granny myself, I've got nine grandchildren and I've got very good memories of my own granny, who read me stories,» Donaldson told the Press Association. «She lived upstairs in our house and she read me Edward Lear and Alice In Wonderland and things like that so I'm a big fan of grandmotherhood.»
The author expressed relief at finally sharing the news after keeping it secret since announcing in April 2025 that she would revisit the character. «It was quite hard keeping the secret for so long and I'm glad it didn't leak out,» she said. «That's one of the reasons we revealed it, because there are so many foreign publishers, so many people know about it. They've signed a secrecy clause but it was going to leak out somehow so at least now I can say the words.»
Long Germination Process
Donaldson explained the extended gap between books. «I did think about a Gruffalo Granny a long time ago, in fact I often said to people if I ever did a book it would be about a Gruffalo Granny because it sounds good, Gr Gr, but then I was just so busy doing other things,» she told PA. «But like any seed you never know when it's going to germinate, this one just took a very long time.»
The author worked closely with illustrator Axel Scheffler on Granny's appearance. «He just had the text but I think when he did the first picture I thought she looked a bit too like the Gruffalo so I suggested she had different coloured eyes, so she's got green eyes,» she explained. «She's got red prickles and a blue wart instead of a green wart, and the grey fur of a slightly more mature gruffalo.»
"The Gruffalo" was first published in 1999, followed by "The Gruffalo's Child" in 2004. The books have been translated into 115 languages and dialects. Donaldson and Scheffler have collaborated on numerous other children's books including "The Snail And The Whale," "Room On The Broom" and "Stick Man," many of which have been adapted into televised animations and stage productions.
Donaldson advocated for expanding access to reading. «As a lover of books and reading, I think it's not just important but enjoyable, it's huge fun,» she said. «My main thing is I think there should be more primary school libraries and librarians so for any children that do slip through the net, that's where they can discover a love of reading.»
"Gruffalo Granny" will be published by Macmillan Children's Books on September 10, 2026.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
