Intro

As parents, we’re always on the lookout for stories that captivate our little ones imagination and make story time an experience you can both enjoy and love. One such gem that has done just that is “The Gruffalo”. This much loved children’s book, with its engaging storyline and fascinating illustrations, has become a staple in many households. But what makes “The Gruffalo” so special? Who brought this wonderful creature to life, and what are some interesting facts about the story that you may not know?

In this blog post we will dive into the wonderful world of “The Gruffalo” and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this book. From it’s creation and the author and illustrator behind it, to fun facts about the Gruffalo himself. We will cover everything you need to know, whether you are a long term fan or new to world of the Gruffalo, like I was 11 months ago.

Background of "The Gruffalo"

Who wrote "The Gruffalo"?

The Gruffalo was written by the very talented Julia Donaldson. But who is Julia Donaldson?

Julia grew up in London with her family and a cat named Geoffrey. She had a love for writing stories as a child and after finishing school left for university to study Drama and French in Bristol. It is at Bristol University where she met her future husband Malcom, who now frequently joins Julia at her shows playing various characters and the Guitar.

Before having her 3 boys, she worked for publishers, a local radio station, and taught English. Her song writing led to an opportunity with the BBC, which transitioned into her first book, "A Squash and a Squeeze," illustrated by Axel Scheffler. This success encouraged her to publish more works, including 46 plays and over twenty books with Scheffler, notably "The Gruffalo.”

She became the Children’s Laureate in 2011 for two years and was awarded the CBE in 2019 for her contributions to literature. Her life is filled with performances at book festivals and theatres, often involving audience participation.

CREDIT: Photo: Royal Society of Literature 

Who published "The Gruffalo"?

The Gruffalo was published on the 23rd March 1999 by Macmillan in the UK. Macmillan was founded in 1843 by two brothers Daniel and Alexander MacMillan and has published many well known books, notably Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland and The Jungle Book.

Who illustrated "The Gruffalo"?

The Gruffalo was illustrated by German Illustrator Axel Scheffler. But who is Axel Scheffler?

Born in Hamburg, German in 1957, Axel had an early passion for drawing, and had early dreams of becoming an art teacher. Unfortunately he was rejected from art school and ended up taking part in an alternative national service, working with mentally ill individuals.

In 1982, inspired by a friend, Scheffler moved to the UK to study visual communications at Bath Academy of Art. This time in England and also time studying in New York solidified his decision to become an illustrator, which once graduating is what he did, freelancing in editorial, advertising and children’s books.

His first illustrated book, “The Piemakers” came out in 1988, however his breakthrough came with “A Squash and a Squeeze” in 1992, marking the start of his prolific partnership with Julia Donaldson. Which lead to there most iconic work “The Gruffalo” in 1999.

Scheffler's career includes designing Christmas cards for Gordon Brown's Treasury, creating Royal Mail Christmas stamps, and illustrating numerous books. In 2020, he and Julia Donaldson created illustrations to help children understand the coronavirus crisis, published in The Guardian.

In 2022, Scheffler was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by the German government for his contributions to literature. Today, he continues to illustrate children's books, participate in events, and take part in festivals, cementing his status as a celebrated illustrator.

CREDIT: Photo: ANDY HALL / CHRIS WATT

Characters

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo is a large, scary creature with very distinctive features that are described throughout the book, which some of you may be able to quote word for word if you have read the book as many times I have over the past 11 Months! As described in the book- he has terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws. His eyes are orange, his tongue is black, and he has purple prickles all over his back. He has knobbly knees, turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose.

Originally a figment of the Mouse’s imagination , that he created to scare the predators he bumped into along his journey to find a nut. However, he turns out to be very real, much to the Mouse’s surprise! Not only that but the mouse turns out to be the Gruffalo’s favourite food. Whilst the Gruffalo is clearly much bigger and stronger than mouse, his intelligence is slightly lacking, which the Mouse takes full advantage off with a cunning plan to ensure he is not eaten by the Gruffalo.

Mouse

The Mouse is a small, brown mouse with a sleek coat and long tail. He has big personality and is very clever and resourceful, something that he relies upon throughout the book. Using this brain power the mouse invents the Gruffalo to protect himself from the three predators he meets on his journey, not once thinking this scary creature could be real and end up wanting to eat him. The Mouse is the classic underdog character throughout the book who shows that intelligence and wit can outsmart strength.

Fox

The Fox is sly and cunning, with a sleek, reddish-brown coat and a bushy tail. He has sharp, pointed ears and a crafty look in his eyes. The Fox is the first animal to encounter the Mouse and tries to lure him into his den to eat him. However, he is quickly scared off by the mention of the Gruffalo.

Owl

The Owl is wise-looking with large, round eyes and a sharp beak. He has a mottled brown and white plumage that allows him to blend into the trees. The Owl attempts to capture the Mouse by inviting him to his treetop house, thinking he can easily snatch him up. He is also frightened away by the idea of the Gruffalo.

Snake

The Snake is long and slender, with smooth, scaly skin that is typically green with darker patterns. He has a flickering tongue and a menacing look. The Snake tries to lure the Mouse into his log pile house, intending to eat him. Like the other predators, he is also scared off by the Mouse's invented story of the Gruffalo.

Popularity and Adaptations

How old is "The Gruffalo"?

The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 and turned 25 years old in 2024. The Gruffalo has sold over 13.5 million copies and has won several prizes for children's literature including the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize.

Where to watch "The Gruffalo"?

The Gruffalo is free to stream on the BBC iPlayer but it can also be found on other platforms such as YouTube, Google Play and Apple TV. The Gruffalo animation was first release in 2009 on the 25th December and was directed by Max Lang and Jakob Schuh. If you haven't seen it, I would recommend! My little boy absolutely loves it and it really adds to the story throughout with a fantastic animation, with the characters being voiced by some very famous individuals, such as the voice of the Gruffalo being the late Robbie Coltrane.

Adaptations

It has been adapted into plays and an Oscar-nominated animated film. The book has inspired a range of merchandise, a commemorative coin, a theme park ride in Chessington World of Adventures, and a series of woodland trails. In 2004, The Gruffalo was followed by a sequel—The Gruffalo's Child*—*also written by Donaldson and illustrated by Scheffler.

Conclusion

"The Gruffalo" has captured the hearts and imaginations of children and parents alike since its publication in 1999. This charming tale, brought to life by the talents of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, offers more than just an entertaining story. It presents a clever mouse who uses his wit to outsmart larger predators, teaching young readers the value of intelligence and resourcefulness over brute strength.

Key characters like the fearsome Gruffalo, the cunning Fox, the wise Owl, and the menacing Snake, each play a crucial role in highlighting the mouse's cleverness. The beautifully illustrated book and its subsequent adaptations, including an animated film and various merchandise, have cemented "The Gruffalo" as a beloved classic.

Whether you're revisiting this story or discovering it for the first time, "The Gruffalo" continues to be a timeless treasure, reminding us all that sometimes the smallest creatures can achieve the greatest victories through creativity and courage

The Gruffalo is a great choice of book and one I would personally recommend for you and your little one to read, it is short (700 words) and easy to read due to it being written with rhyming couplets, this is a book that you won’t dread to read at bed or story time.

Gruffalo Activities

The Gruffalo Colouring In Activity

The Gruffalo Dot-to-Dot Activity

The Gruffalo Match the Features Activity

Pawprint family - Gruffalo Bingo Activity (External site we think you'll love)

Gruffalo Products

Here at Roy’s Boys we have a range of Gruffalo products that you are your little one are sure to love, alongside other characters form the works of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, such as Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Zog and Superworm.

View The Gruffalo and Friends Range Here