Beloved children’s author Julia Donaldson is set to partner with illustrator Axel Scheffler once again, as they work on a highly-anticipated new Gruffalo book – the first in over 20 years.
The duo previously collaborated on The Gruffalo (1999) and its sequel The Gruffalo’s Child in 2004. Publisher Macmillan Children’s Books described the Gruffalo series as a “bestselling phenomenon”.
Julia’s books have sold almost 50 million copies over her career, with the Grufflo selling over three million alone. It has been translated into 133 different languages.
But the Sussex-based author admits writing another follow-up can be difficult. She hopes the new story will resonate with younger audiences, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to The Bookseller, Julia said: “It’s always a challenge to write a sequel. Five years elapsed between publication of The 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.
“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.”
The publisher expressed immense excitement, stating: “Macmillan Children’s Books is thrilled to be publishing this extraordinary new story, which sees the return of much-loved characters in a fresh and exciting adventure that has all the hallmarks of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic.
“The team at Macmillan plans for this highly anticipated publication to be one of the biggest in its history, supported by a blockbuster marketing and publicity campaign.”
The new book will be used by the National Literacy Trust as it looks to encourage childhood reading. It came after the charity found only one in three children enjoy reading in their spare time, the lowest level since 2005, it claims.
Julia reflected on her motivation, saying: “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.”
Although Axel has been reluctant about crafting another Gruffalo tale before, the new script from Julia ignited his enthusiasm to illustrate the cherished characters afresh.
In conversation with The Bookseller, Axel revealed: “As I have had to draw the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the past 20 years, I’m not completely out of practice.”