Third Gruffalo book to arrive in 2026

Macmillan Children’s Books has revealed that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are working on a third Gruffalo book, set to arrive 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.

It marks the first new Gruffalo story since the publication of sequel The Gruffalo’s Child in 2004. The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child have together sold over 18.2 million copies sold.

The launch of the third book will also drive an international children’s reading and storytelling campaign, in partnership with The National Literacy Trust and other charitable organisations across the globe. This follows an NLT report earlier this year which revealed that only one in three children enjoy reading in their spare time, the lowest level since 2005.

“It’s always a challenge to write a sequel,” said Julia Donaldson.

“Five years elapsed between publication ofThe Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, and now it will be more than 20 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 added: “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 at 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.”

Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive at National Literacy Trust added: “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.”

Main image:© Axel Scheffler – The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books