Updated: February 6, 2026
If you grew up reading (or reading aloud) tales from the deep dark wood, get ready to jump for joy. Julia Donaldson, the queen of rhyming picture books, has just dropped some massive news: a brand-new Gruffalo adventure is coming! After more than 20 long years since The Gruffalo’s Child, the beloved monster family is expanding with Gruffalo Granny, set to hit shelves on September 10, 2026.
This isn’t just any sequel — it’s the third Gruffalo story ever, and fans have been waiting since 2004. Let’s dive into everything we know so far about this exciting release.
Table of Contents
A Long-Awaited Return to the Deep Dark Wood
Julia Donaldson teamed up once again with illustrator Axel Scheffler for this fresh adventure. The announcement came straight from BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on February 6, 2026, where Julia called the title reveal a “big moment.”
The story kicks off with a simple, irresistible line shared by the publisher:
“The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay.”
That’s right — a new family member is joining the fun! Gruffalo Granny will bring her own personality to the mix while old favorites (the Gruffalo, his child, and probably a few clever forest friends) return for another clever, rhyming escapade.
Publisher Macmillan Children’s Books describes it as “a fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure” that has “all the hallmarks of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic.” Expect the same brilliant wordplay, gentle suspense, and heartwarming moments that made the original books timeless.
Why This Book Feels So Special
- First new Gruffalo tale in over 20 years — Since The Gruffalo’s Child (2004), the duo has created dozens of other hits (Room on the Broom, Zog, The Highway Rat, and more), but the Gruffalo world stayed quiet… until now.
- Inspired by real life and reading campaigns — Julia has mentioned being motivated partly by efforts to boost children’s reading, like those from the National Literacy Trust.
- Perfect timing for new generations — Many kids who loved the original books as toddlers are now parents themselves. This release bridges generations beautifully.
- Hardback + audiobook launch — Ideal for cozy bedtime reading and listening on the go.
The book will run around 40 pages, keeping that classic picture-book length that works so well for little listeners (and tired parents!).
Gruffalo Granny – Quick Facts at a Glance
Here’s a handy table with all the essential details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Gruffalo Granny |
| Author | Julia Donaldson |
| Illustrator | Axel Scheffler |
| Publisher | Macmillan Children’s Books |
| Release Date | September 10, 2026 |
| Formats at Launch | Hardback, Audiobook |
| Page Count | Approximately 40 pages |
| Series Position | Third Gruffalo book (after 1999 & 2004) |
| Key New Character | Gruffalo Granny |
| ISBN | 9781035065516 |
Mark your calendars — pre-orders are already appearing on major sites!
What Fans Are Saying (and Why It Matters)
The internet lit up the moment the news broke. Parents, teachers, and booksellers are thrilled because the Gruffalo books do more than entertain — they build vocabulary, spark imagination, and make reading aloud feel like magic.
With Julia Donaldson’s lifetime sales now well over 49 million copies in the UK alone (and The Gruffalo itself selling millions worldwide), this new title is shaping up to be one of the biggest children’s book events of 2026.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who can recite “He has terrible tusks… and terrible claws” from memory, or you’re discovering the series with your own little ones, Gruffalo Granny promises to deliver the same clever twists and gorgeous illustrations that have charmed families for decades.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for More Deep Dark Wood Magic
The wait has been long, but it looks like it will be worth every second. Gruffalo Granny is poised to become another instant classic — the kind of book that gets passed down, read until the pages are soft, and quoted at playgrounds everywhere.
September 2026 can’t come soon enough! In the meantime, why not revisit the original Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child with your family? The deep dark wood is calling… and now it has a granny on the way.
Have you pre-ordered yet? Let me know in the comments which Gruffalo character you’re most excited to see again!
Updated: February 6, 2026