Julia Donaldson’s beloved monster returns for his first new story in over two decades
Oh help! Oh no! Guess who’s stomping back into our bookshelves?
Yes, the Gruffalo — that tusked, clawed, purple-prickled legend of bedtime stories — is making a roaring return.
Over 20 years since his last big adventure, Julia Donaldson has confirmed a brand-new Gruffalo story is landing in 2025, and honestly? It’s about time.
Parents, prep the voices. Kids, cue the squeals. This is not a drill. The Gruffalo is getting a third book.
The monster, the myth, the legend
Since first tiptoeing through the deep dark wood in 1999, The Gruffalo and follow-up The Gruffalo’s Child have become total icons of children’s lit.
With over 18.2 million copies sold worldwide, the books are a masterclass in rhyming genius, playful suspense, and monster-sized charm.
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And now? He’s back. Bigger, bolder, and (probably) still easily tricked by small creatures with big imaginations.
From the cupboard to the page
The idea for the new tale has been sitting quietly in Julia Donaldson’s head for years, apparently gathering dust like a forgotten nut in the mouse’s tree.
But it was the National Literacy Trust and their Early Words Matter programme that nudged her to finally bring it out into the light.
“I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago,” Julia said, “but couldn’t think how to develop it… To my surprise, I managed to do just that!”
Well, thank goodness for that. Because we weren’t ready to say goodbye to our big, hairy friend forever.
“Could I decline? Of course not!”
Illustrator Axel Scheffler, whose whimsical artwork made The Gruffalo an instant visual icon, wasn’t planning a return either—but when Donaldson’s fresh new text landed on his desk, he couldn’t resist.
“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!”
We’re pretty sure the Gruffalo gave a big grin at that. (Or at least a gruff one.)
What can we expect?
While the new book doesn’t have a title yet (and there’s no word on whether the clever mouse is making a comeback), what we do know is that this third Gruffalo story is set to bring back all the rhythm, wit and woodland magic that made the original a modern classic.
One thing’s for sure — this isn’t just another children’s book release. It’s a full-on monster moment.
So, what now?
Mark your calendars. Revisit your rhymes. Rehearse your best Gruffalo growl.
Because in 2025, one of the greatest characters in children’s literature is stepping out of the shadows of the deep dark wood and into a whole new adventure.
And if your little ones haven’t met him yet? Oh help. Oh no. You’ve got some reading to do.
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