Brief
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler discuss the lasting appeal of the Gruffalo
The author and illustrator reflect on the Gruffalo’s global reach and their latest release, Gruffalo Granny.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler spoke to CBS News about the enduring popularity of the Gruffalo and their newest title, Gruffalo Granny, which topped the UK bestseller list this month.
What happened
Donaldson, who has sold more than 75 million books worldwide, recalled that she did not achieve literary success until her late 40s, after a song she wrote for television was turned into a picture book. The 1999 release of The Gruffalo quickly became a modern classic and was later adapted into a film. Scheffler, who illustrated the original Gruffalo, said he initially expected only a few thousand copies to sell.
What the reports add
CBS News noted that the Gruffalo now appears on merchandise worldwide and that both Donaldson and Scheffler remain “bemused” by its ubiquity. The outlet also reported that Gruffalo Granny was the UK’s best‑selling book of the year across all genres when it was released last month.
What was said
Donaldson told CBS News, “When I’ve got a pencil in my hand, it’s like an electric current… My brain can send the words down my arm onto the page.” She added, “I wouldn’t say it’s really changed my life, except, you know, recently I was made a dame!” Scheffler said, “I had no idea at all. I thought it would sell a few thousand copies and be forgotten. I was completely wrong.” He also remarked, “There’s no escape… I’m very happy that he’s got such a universal appeal.”
How it came about
Donaldson’s early career involved writing songs for TV; a publisher’s interest in one song, “A Squash and a Squeeze,” led to her first picture book and set the stage for the Gruffalo partnership with Scheffler. Their collaboration has produced numerous titles, and both stress that children’s literature is often undervalued compared to adult fiction. Donaldson highlighted the educational value of reading, saying, “It helps you become more empathetic. It fires your imagination.”
Key facts
- Julia Donaldson has sold more than 75 million books worldwide. (cbsnews.com)
- The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 and later adapted into a film. (cbsnews.com)
- Gruffalo Granny became the UK’s best‑selling book of the year across all genres. (cbsnews.com)
- Axel Scheffler originally expected the Gruffalo to sell only a few thousand copies. (cbsnews.com)
- Donaldson was recently made a dame. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “The return of the Gruffalo”
