The Gruffalo Makes a Comeback

WHO:

CBS News - Julia Donaldson, author of children's books.

CBS News - Axel Scheffler, illustrator of "The Gruffalo."

CBS News - Malcolm, Donaldson's late husband and creative confidant.

WHAT:

CBS News - Julia Donaldson has sold more than 75 million books worldwide.

CBS News - "The Gruffalo," created in 1999, is a story about a mouse who outsmarts a monster.

CBS News - The latest book in the series, "Gruffalo Granny," was released last month and is now the U.K.'s best-selling book of the year across all genres.

CBS News - "Gruffalo Granny" is also the fastest-selling picture book ever.

WHERE:

CBS News - The U.K. is noted as the location where Donaldson's books have sold more than any other author this century.

WHEN:

CBS News - "Gruffalo Granny" was released last month.

WHY:

CBS News - Donaldson believes that reading helps children become more empathetic and fires their imagination.

HOW:

CBS News - Donaldson began her literary career by writing songs for television before transitioning to children's books after a publisher expressed interest in one of her songs.

(UPDATED October 11, 2026 14:58 UTC)

Julia Donaldson, the beloved author of children's books, has sold over 75 million copies worldwide, with her latest release, "Gruffalo Granny," becoming the U.K.'s best-selling book of the year across all genres and the fastest-selling picture book ever. This enchanting tale, which follows a clever mouse outsmarting a monster, was launched just last month and continues to capture the hearts of readers. Donaldson, who started her career writing songs for television, believes that reading fosters empathy and ignites children's imaginations, making her work all the more impactful.