The Gruffalo

What do our readers think of The Gruffalo? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the funny rhyme, exciting adventure and clever little mouse, and many find the Gruffalo more silly than frightening. They especially like the mouse’s bravery and the story’s surprising turns, although some children find the creature and the hungry animals a little scary.

What does the Pageticker team say about The Gruffalo?

We love the way Julia Donaldson’s lively rhyme and Axel Scheffler’s expressive illustrations turn a simple woodland walk into a funny, suspenseful adventure. The clever mouse is a memorable champion for resourcefulness and courage, while the repeated encounters make this an excellent read-aloud for younger children. A classic.

Genres

What is The Gruffalo about?

In a deep, dark wood, a clever little mouse encounters a fox, an owl, and a snake, each eager to eat him. To escape, he invents a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo. But when the mouse unexpectedly meets the real Gruffalo, he must use his wits to outsmart this terrifying beast and prove that even the smallest can be the bravest.

About the author

Julia Donaldson is a much-loved British author who has written many wonderful books for children. She is best known for creating 'The Gruffalo', a story about a clever mouse and a magical creature. Julia often works with illustrator Axel Scheffler to bring her fun and imaginative stories to life.

Discussion ideas around The Gruffalo

Small but brave: What helps the mouse stay calm when the other animals seem bigger and stronger than him?

Clever thinking: Which of the mouse’s ideas is the most clever, and why?

Stories and truth: When can making up a story be helpful, and when might it cause trouble?

Looks can deceive: How do the animals’ ideas about the Gruffalo change when they meet him?

The deep, dark wood: What details make the wood feel exciting rather than simply scary?