First new Gruffalo picture book in over 20 years to publish in 2026
We are thrilled to be publishing this extraordinary new story, which sees the return of much-loved characters in a fresh and exciting adventure that has all the hallmarks of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic.
Macmillan Children’s Books today announces that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the UK’s number one author and illustrator, will return to the world of their most successful and beloved character with a brand-new as-yet-untitled Gruffalo story in September 2026. World rights for the third Gruffalo adventure were acquired from Claire Wilson and Caroline Sheldon at RCW and the illustration rights acquired directly from Axel Scheffler.
This news signals the first new Gruffalo story since the publication of the award-winning modern classics The Gruffalo (1999) and The Gruffalo’s Child (2004) by Macmillan Children’s Books. The two stories have become a bestselling phenomenon and have touched the lives of children across the globe, with a total of over 18.2 million copies sold.
Macmillan Children’s Books is thrilled to be publishing this extraordinary new story, which sees the return of much-loved characters in a fresh and exciting adventure that has all the hallmarks of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic. The team at Macmillan plans for this highly-anticipated publication to be one of the biggest in its history, supported by a blockbuster marketing and publicity campaign. The launch will also harness the popularity of Julia and Axel’s iconic character to drive an international children’s reading and storytelling campaign in partnership with The National Literacy Trust and other charitable organisations across the globe, following an NLT report* earlier this year which revealed that only 1 in 3 children enjoy reading in their spare time, the lowest level since 2005.
With The Gruffalo translated into an incredible 113 languages and dialects, Macmillan Children's Books plans to make this new story the international publishing event of the decade. As part of this launch, Macmillan is inviting global publishing partners to work with charitable organisations to promote childhood reading. Following on from recent joint initiatives with The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, the National Literacy Trust will be the lead charity partner in the UK, with Macmillan Children’s Books working in collaboration with the charity’s Early Words Matter campaign to empower children, families and their wider communities through substantial book donations, learning resources, community events and volunteer training. Pan Macmillan South Africa, the proud distributors of the local edition, is excited to partner with like-minded organisations to champion this cause.
Julia Donaldson said “It’s always a challenge to write a sequel. Five years elapsed between publication of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, and now it will be more than twenty between The Gruffalo’s Child and the third book. I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn’t think how to develop it. It was only when the NLT, whose work I’m very impressed by, 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. I really hope that children – and adults too – will enjoy the new story, as I know what a wonderful experience shared reading can be.”
Axel Scheffler said “Never say never - a lesson learnt 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! As I have had to draw the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the last 20 years, I’m not completely out of practice. I’m also very happy that the Gruffalos will get involved in some charitable activities to reach even more young readers with support from the NLT.”
Alison Ruane, Managing Director, Macmillan Children’s Books said: “Macmillan Children's Books couldn't be happier to return to the deep dark wood with a brand new Gruffalo picture book for 2026 - the first in 20 years and a true landmark publishing event. We are so proud to publish Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the UK’s number one author and illustrator, and continue to be inspired by the power of their storytelling in capturing the imaginations of children everywhere. Together with the National Literacy Trust, we will use today’s announcement to seek partners across a diverse range of sectors to join our mission to promote the joy of reading, with the Gruffalo at the heart."
Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive, National Literacy Trust said: “Literacy changes everything, right from the very start. A child’s early grasp on language and first steps to build communication skills will set them up for life. Through our Early Words Matter campaign, our vision at the National Literacy Trust is for every child, wherever they grow up, to start school with language and communication skills ready to grow and learn. 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. We are incredibly excited to be working with the team at Macmillan Children's Books to close the UK’s literacy gap and give more children from disadvantaged communities the tools they need to thrive.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Source: Early literacy matters: Economic impact and regional disparities in England - Pro Bono Economics, February 2024
About Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson has written some of the world’s best-loved children’s books of the last 30 years, including bestselling modern classic The Gruffalo, which has been translated into over 100 languages and dialects, and its sequel The Gruffalo’s Child. Her other books include Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale and The Highway Rat, all illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Hospital Dog and Gozzle, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle series, as well as poems, plays and songs – and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011-13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia lives in West Sussex.
About Axel Scheffler
Axel Scheffler was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1957. He studied history of art in Hamburg, before moving to the United Kingdom to study illustration at Bath Academy of Art in 1982. Since then he has worked as a freelance illustrator in London. He is best known for the children's books he has illustrated through his partnership with author, Julia Donaldson. Their first book together A Squash and a Squeeze was published in 1993 and has sold 2.2 million copies worldwide. The duo then went on to create The Gruffalo, which has sold over 18 million copies, in 107 countries throughout the world. He lives in London.
About The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is the bestselling and well-loved picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. They are the UK’s #1 author and #1 illustrator respectively (2024). The Gruffalo was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in March 1999 and went on to be recognised as ‘a modern classic’ (Robert McCrum, Observer) and ‘the Nation’s Favourite Bedtime Story’ (Radio 2). The sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child, followed in 2004. The original picture book stories have now sold 18.2 million copies worldwide and The Gruffalo has been translated into 113 languages and dialects. Across the publishing brand, global sales have now reached 38 million copies. The Gruffalo Live! Theatre adaptation is produced by Tall Stories and began touring in 2001, with The Gruffalo’s Child opening in 2006. The Oscar-nominated animated adaptation The Gruffalo (2009), and BAFTA-nominated The Gruffalo's Child (2011) are produced by Magic Light Pictures. The Gruffalo can be found in deep dark woods up and down the country, at sites managed by Forestry England, and he features at Merlin attraction locations across the UK.
Find out more at www.gruffalo.com and TheOfficialGruffalo on Facebook.
About Pan Macmillan
At Pan Macmillan we publish a broad and vibrant range of books for audiences of all ages from dazzling bestsellers to influential prize-winners; books to inspire lifelong readers and listeners to enduring classics for generations to come. The fourth largest UK publisher, we pride ourselves on publishing successfully and sustainably and are committed to working together to positively impact culture and society at large.
About National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that empowers children, young people
and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills give you the tools to get the most out of life, and the power to shape your future. For over 30 years the National Literacy Trust has continued to support schools, families and communities on a local and national level to help people change their stories.
About Pan Macmillan South Africa
Pan Macmillan South Africa shares our parent company's dedication to publishing a diverse and impactful collection of books for readers of all ages within the South African context. As a significant local publisher, we champion South African voices and stories alongside international bestsellers, aiming to ignite a passion for reading and contribute meaningfully to the nation's cultural landscape and intellectual discourse for both current and future generations.
