The Gruffalo is back! Discover everything we know about the new Gruffalo book coming in 2026, including release date, author details, and plot hints.
He’s got knobbly knees, turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose… and just when you thought you were safe, he’s back. Yes, that Gruffalo. After more than two decades of starring in bedtime stories, school plays and soft toy collections across the globe, the beloved monster of the deep dark wood is returning in a brand new Gruffalo book—due for release in September 2026.
Whether you’re a parent who can still recite “A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood…” in your sleep, or a millennial who grew up with the original, this is big news. And if your kids don’t know the Gruffalo yet? There’s still time to introduce them—before the sequel steals their hearts (and possibly their bookshelf space).
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A Brand New Gruffalo Book Is Coming in 2026:
What’s the New Gruffalo Book About?
Let’s start with what we know.
The new story will be the third official instalment in the series, following the massive success of The Gruffalo (1999) and The Gruffalo’s Child (2004). While the title and storyline are still under wraps, publisher Macmillan Children’s Books confirms it will feature “the return of much-loved characters in a fresh and exciting adventure,” with all the classic magic we’ve come to expect from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
In short: we’re heading back to the deep, dark wood!
Why Now? The Story Behind the Sequel
Author Julia Donaldson has admitted she’s had the idea tucked away “for a long time”—but it wasn’t until a literacy campaign reignited her spark that she brought it to life.
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) had used The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child in their Early Words Matter programme, aimed at reversing declining reading engagement among children in the UK. According to their latest report, only 35% of children aged 8–18 said they enjoyed reading in their spare time in 2024—the lowest figure since 2005.
That campaign inspired Donaldson to finally revisit the Gruffalo’s world and write a new story.
“To my surprise, I managed to do just that! And I was delighted when Axel came on board again—his sketches are already brilliant,” she said (The Guardian).
A Generation Later… And Still Going Strong
Here’s the bit that might get you in the feels.
The kids who were read The Gruffalo in the early 2000s? They’re now grown-ups reading to their own tamariki. That’s not just nostalgia—that’s legacy.
This upcoming book offers something rare: a shared literary moment between generations. A chance for families to connect over a familiar favourite, but with something new to discover together.
It’s also a subtle reminder of how powerful shared reading really is. The NLT says that reading aloud is one of the most effective ways to boost vocabulary, comprehension, and emotional connection. And if it takes a big-fanged, terrible-clawed forest creature to get kids off YouTube for ten minutes? We’ll take it.
Key Facts: New Gruffalo Book at a Glance
To save you the deep dive (unless you want it—keep scrolling), here are the must-knows:
- Release Date: September 2026
- Author & Illustrator: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
- Previous Books in Series: The Gruffalo (1999), The Gruffalo’s Child (2004)
- Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
- Confirmed Themes: Familiar characters, new adventure, classic rhymes
- Inspiration: NLT literacy campaign and long-standing idea
- Target Audience: New readers, nostalgic parents, and Gruffalo collectors alike
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Why the Gruffalo Still Matters in 2026
Let’s be honest: most kids’ books come and go. But the Gruffalo? He’s a cultural icon.
Over 18 million copies of the first two books have been sold worldwide. They’ve been translated into more than 100 languages, turned into award-winning animated films, and inspired merch ranging from backpacks to bath toys. Not bad for a fictional woodland monster.
But beyond the commercial success, what’s always made The Gruffalo special is its message. A tiny mouse outsmarts the big, scary world with nothing but cleverness and confidence. It’s a story that hits just right—whether you’re three or thirty.
So, What Can Parents Do Now?
- Revisit the Originals: Pull out your old copies (or grab new ones) and get reacquainted with the classics. They’ve aged well—promise.
- Prep the Kids: If your little ones haven’t met the Gruffalo yet, now’s the perfect time. There’s also Room on the Broom, Zog, and other Donaldson classics to tide them over.
- Start a Read-Aloud Ritual: Just ten minutes a night makes a difference. Reading together can help with everything from language development to emotional bonding.
- Mark Your Calendar: September 2026 might feel far off, but trust us—you’ll want this book in your hands as soon as it drops.
Final Thoughts: Ready or Not, He’s Coming Back
We don’t know exactly what this new Gruffalo tale will bring. But if the past 25 years are anything to go by, we’re in for something timeless, clever, and joyfully re-readable.
So polish your storytelling voice, clear a spot on the bookshelf, and prepare to be outwitted by a mouse. Again.
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