The Gruffalo Series

By Julia Donaldson

Clever woodland adventures filled with rhyme, suspense and small heroes outwitting bigger creatures.

heartwarming · imaginative · rhythmic · engaging

Pageticker community rating

Average 4.85, from 1,318 readers

What is The Gruffalo series by Julia Donaldson about?

Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the core Gruffalo series began with The Gruffalo in 1999 and continued with The Gruffalo’s Child in 2004. Across these rhyming picture books, a quick-thinking mouse navigates a deep, dark wood, using imagination and clever storytelling to face hungry predators and a frightening creature. The follow-up shifts attention to the Gruffalo’s curious child, whose nighttime adventure introduces a fresh perspective on the woodland world. With repetition, rhythm and playful suspense, the series suits preschool and early-years children, especially those who enjoy read-alouds, woodland animals and humorous tales of bravery. Mild peril and spooky monster imagery may trouble very sensitive readers.

Genres

Fantasy Animals Friendship/Family

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.

All the books in The Gruffalo series

Gruffalo Granny

by Julia Donaldson

A family woodland visit becomes a surprising adventure when Gruffalo Granny reveals her secret tricks.

Published: 2026

The Gruffalo

by Julia Donaldson

A tiny mouse invents a monster—but what happens when the Gruffalo turns out to be real?

Published: 1999

The Gruffalo's Child

by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo’s Child braves the snowy wood — but is the Big Bad Mouse real?

Published: 2004

The Gruffalo Play

by Julia Donaldson

Can young performers bring the Gruffalo, Mouse and their thrilling forest tale to life?

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