Children’s book author Julia Donaldson recently discussed her work in an interview. Two decades ago, when she wrote “The Gruffalo,” she didn’t expect it to be successful due to its dark themes and rhyming style. Now, after 26 years, Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler have released “Gruffalo Granny,” possibly the final sequel in the series.
The new book features the original Gruffalo and its child preparing for the arrival of Gruffalo Granny, who has a huge appetite. Despite the success, Donaldson remains focused on creating engaging stories rather than commercial appeal. The promotional efforts for “Gruffalo Granny” have been extensive, leading to record-breaking sales upon its release.
With over 227,000 copies sold in the first three days, “Gruffalo Granny” became the fastest-selling picture book in the UK. The enduring popularity of the Gruffalo series has captivated readers of all ages, with adults passing on their love for the characters to the next generation. Despite concluding the Gruffalo series, Donaldson’s next book, “Winnifred Duck,” based on a true story, is set to be released soon.