“Gruffalo Granny is Coming to Stay”: New Story Coming in September | Children’s books: 7 and under

The Gruffalo family is set to expand after the publisher of the popular children’s story announced a long-awaited third book about the beloved monster.

Macmillan has announced that the new tale, Gruffalo Granny, will be published on September 10.

The third installment comes more than 20 years after author Julia Donaldson’s previous foray into the deep dark woods with 2004’s The Gruffalo’s Child, a sequel to the best-selling 1999 original The Gruffalo.

News that Donaldson would revisit the character with knobby knees, toes and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose was first announced in April 2025, when she said she was motivated to write by a campaign to reverse the decline in children’s reading.

The upcoming release will include a visit from a new character, Gruffalo Granny, with an excerpt reading: “Your grandmother Gruffalo is coming to stay,” said the Gruffalo to his daughter one day.

The story, which will feature illustrations by frequent Donaldson collaborator Axel Scheffler, marks the return of characters from the previous two books, including Fox, Snake, Owl and Mouse.

“Writing a sequel is always a challenge,” Donaldson said. “There were five years between the publication of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, and now there will be more than 20 years between The Gruffalo’s Child and the third book. I actually had the basic idea for the story for a long time, but I couldn’t think of how to develop it.”

“It was only when the National Literacy Foundation, whose work I admire so much, used the first two books as part of its Early Words program that I was motivated to pull my idea out of the closet and see if I could turn it into a truly satisfying story once and for all.”

“Much to my surprise, I managed to do it. I was of course delighted when Axel came on board, and I’m even happier now that I’ve seen the wonderful illustrations he’s done for the new book. I really hope the children – and adults too – enjoy the new story, because I know what a wonderful shared reading experience it can be.”

Scheffler added: “Never say never – a lesson learned for me, as I denied, whenever I was asked, the possibility of another visit to the deep dark forest. Until one day suddenly, a wonderful and inspiring new text by Julia came along. How do you do it? Can I refuse? Of course not.”

“Since I’ve had to draw the curious Gruffalo and his daughter for the past 20 years, I haven’t completely stopped the practice. I’m also very happy that the Gruffalos will be getting involved in some charitable activities to reach more young readers with the support of the National Literacy Trust.”

“The Gruffalo” and “The Gruffalo’s Child” have sold more than 18 million copies combined, and the books have been translated into 115 languages ​​and dialects.

Fans will get the chance to get their first look at the Gruffalo Granny when Schaeffler’s never-before-seen drawing goes on display in central London and Glasgow on Friday evening.

Alison Rowan, managing director of Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “The impact that Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and The Gruffalo have had on families around the world cannot be underestimated, and the huge amount of global excitement that followed the announcement of the new book was testament to that.

“We’re so proud to publish Julia and Axel here at Macmillan Children’s Books, and we can’t wait for children and families to experience this new story together, especially in the National Year of Reading. Get ready next September, novelty is coming to stay.”

Numerous collaborations between Donaldson and Scheffler include The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Tiddler, The Scarecrows’ Wedding and The Highway Rat.

Televised animations of their favorite stories have become a staple of the festive calendar, and many of their books have been adapted for the stage.