The nation's favourite bedtime story! Walk into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake . . . and a hungry Gruffalo. The perfect rhyming picture book for the family bookshelf.
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.
A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a bestselling phenomenon across the world with over 18 million copies sold. This award-winning story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children. Perfect to read aloud, the playful verse and beloved characters will enchant little ones for years to come. No home should be without The Gruffalo!
'One of the best picture books ever written' - The Sun
This hardback edition features the classic story plus extra content from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, making this the perfect gift.
Look out for Gruffalo Granny, the brand new Gruffalo picture book adventure - coming on 10th September 2026!
Discover more picture books from Julia and Axel: The Gruffalo's Child, Room on the Broom and A Squash and a Squeeze.
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Julia Donaldson Biography
Julia Donaldson is the highly talented author of some of the best-loved children’s books in the world. Born in London in 1948, she grew up with her younger sister Mary who she loved to create imaginary characters with.
She started her career as a singer-songwriter, writing mainly for children’s television. One of these
Axel Scheffler Biography
Axel Scheffler is an acclaimed illustrator, animator and more recently author of children's books. He was born in Hamburg in 1957 and moved to England in 1982 in order to study illustration at the Bath Academy of Art. He then worked for a variety of advertising companies, magazines and newspapers in both England and Germany
