Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler announce new Gruffalo picture book for September 2026; book marks first return to series since The Gruffalo's Child in 2004

May 1, 2025 (Publisher's Weekly) –

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler , the author-illustrator duo behind the U.K. picture book classic The Gruffalo and its sequel The Gruffalo's Child, will revisit their beloved character in a new picture book from Dial Books for Young Readers, due in September 2026 .

Originally published in 1999, The Gruffalo follows a mouse, who in hopes of avoiding being eaten by other animals, invents the titular monster to scare off the others, only to learn that there may really be a monster to fear. The Gruffalo became a hugely popular bedtime story in the U.K. , leading to its sequel The Gruffalo's Child, which released in 2004 and was named the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year in 2005, among other accolades. The books have sold more than 18 million copies worldwide. In 2009, Magic Light Pictures adapted The Gruffalo into an animated short film, featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter , Robbie Coltrane , James Corden , and others.

This new picture book marks a return to the Gruffalo universe, more than 20 years after its last release. Donaldson said in a statement, "It's always a challenge to write a sequel." She said she had the concept for a new Gruffalo story "a long time ago," but struggled to develop it until the National Literacy Trust used the books for its Early Words Matter program. "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!"

For Scheffler, getting back to the Gruffalo came as a surprise considering "whenever asked, denied the possibility of another visit to the deep dark wood," he said in a statement. Upon hearing Donaldson's idea, however, the illustrator found he could not resist the opportunity to share a new journey with the characters. "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!" Scheffler said.

"These clever, surprising stories with their beloved, signature illustrations have been loved by American readers for decades," said Jennifer Klonsky , president and publisher of Dial Books . "And now, to publish a third Gruffalo book? We are thrilled and delighted and cannot wait for our readers to embrace this new adventure!"

Klonsky acquired U.S. and open market rights for the third Gruffalo book from Macmillan's Children's Books UK .