Author Julia Donaldson confirmed that her upcoming release, Gruffalo Granny, will be the final outing for the iconic character, according to reporting by the Guardian. Published in 2025, Donaldson was named the country’s bestselling author – across all genres, children’s and adult’s – since records began, having sold more than 50m books in the UK alongside 18.2m copies of The Gruffalo and its sequel worldwide.
The Final Chapter for a Modern Classic
Macmillan Children’s Books released Gruffalo Granny, a title that extends the protagonist’s family back a generation. According to the Guardian, the new book features the Gruffalo and his daughter awaiting a visit from Granny Gruffalo, with the original mouse, owl, fox, and snake returning to the action. Donaldson stated that the book serves as a celebration of storytelling, drawing inspiration from Shahrazad in The Arabian Nights and incorporating references to her earlier works such as Room on the Broom, Monkey Puzzle, and The Snail and the Whale.
Did you know? The Gruffalo has been translated into 119 languages and dialects, including Latin and Scots.
Reflections on a Historic Publishing Career
Donaldson reflected on her career trajectory, recalling how she joked in 1999 that her new one, out that year, would become a classic. Beyond the Gruffalo series, her bibliography continues to expand. According to the Guardian, her next book, Winifred Duck, will be out early next year with Scholastic, based on the true story of how a cargo of bath toys fell off a ship and helped oceanographers understand currents and tides. Additional projects, including a book called Baby Grandpa, are in the pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gruffalo Granny the last book in the series?
Yes.
When was The Gruffalo published?
The original book was published in 1999.
How many books has Julia Donaldson sold?
In 2025 she was named the country’s bestselling author – across all genres, children’s and adult’s – since records began.
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