Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson reveals why third book took 20 years to release and how it’s VERY different to original

HE might not be walking down a red carpet or flying to the Oscars in a private jet.

But ask any toddler and they can easily tell you who The Gruffalo is.

Writer released the classic storybook in 1999.

Together with sequel , the lovable monster has sold 18.2million copies and been translated into 119 languages.

But Julia — who has written more than 180 books — said: “I do get tired of only being known as the Gruffalo author.”

Thankfully the writer has taken one for the team, delighting fans by releasing a third book in the series this week — Gruffalo Granny.

It has been two decades in the making, with Julia encouraged to complete it by her son Alastair.

She said: “I’ve had the idea in my head for 20 years but I couldn’t think how to develop it.

“When I was out walking with Alastair and I mentioned the Gruffalo he said, why don’t you set aside some time to work with it, or put it to bed once and for all?”

Once she committed to the idea, the story came surprisingly quickly.

Julia revealed the finished book is considerably more complex than the original Gruffalo.

She said: “It works on so many different levels.

“I’m delighted with it. The illustrations are wonderfully detailed.”

News of the latest book came as a surprise to many, including illustrator who said he was “pretty taken aback” to get another Gruffalo manuscript.

“I didn’t see that coming,” he admitted.

have been creative partners since was published 27 years ago, but their work is largely done separately.

Axel receives the manuscript, with an outline of how the pages will be laid out. He then starts sketching.

Axel said: “The text for Gruffalo Granny was really inspiring.

“It was wonderful to have those glimpses into some of the other books that we’ve created together.”

Behind the new adventure lies a deeply personal tribute.

The book is dedicated to Julia’s late husband, retired paediatric consultant , who died in 2024 aged 75. The couple had been married for 52 years.

Malcolm was also an accomplished actor, singer and guitarist. The ­couple met while busking and went on to have three sons.

Their eldest, Hamish, took his own life in 2003, aged 25, after suffering from mental illness.

Julia later drew on his struggle when she wrote her novel Running On The Cracks.

The author thinks it is vital parents encourage children to put down their phones and read more.

She said: “We all need to watch our screen times. It’s not just about watching suspect content, it’s the fact phones are so distracting.

“It’s easy to feel pessimistic about reading but people do still read with their younger children.

“Reading a book to your child is easier than other activities, such as playing with Lego.

“Libraries and librarians are vital. It’s not usually parents that bring their children’s awareness to a particular book, it’s often a librarian.”

Julia’s plea comes amid growing concern about children’s relationship with smartphones and social media.

announced in June that from offering services to under-16s.

And Julia, who wants to encourage parents to lead by example, believes many kids could actually welcome the change.

She said: “I think many children may be relieved by the ban. It’s natural that children will use social media if all of their peers do.

“However, this ban will level the playing field and it won’t leave ­certain children being left out.”

Axel has an even more radical suggestion: “I think there should be a ban for adults!”

It’s unlikely children will stop enjoying The Gruffalo any time soon.

Especially as Julia was made a Dame in in June.

And there is little sign of her slowing down.

She said: “The diary is so full. I often say no to things during the diary meetings, but somehow it fills up again.”

For Julia and Axel, the deep dark wood clearly still has plenty of ­stories left to tell.

• Gruffalo Granny by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Macmillan Children’s Books, £14.99) is out now.