The return of the Gruffalo
In 1999, children's book author Julia Donaldson created a monster: "The Gruffalo," an award-winning story about a mouse who conjures a terrifying beast. With illustrations by Axel Scheffler, the book was a runaway bestseller. Now, the pair has released their third book in the series, "Gruffalo Granny," which has become the U.K.'s bestselling book of the year (of any genre), and the…
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creative team behind the beloved children's book series featuring the Gruffalo, have achieved immense success in their writing careers. Donaldson, who had previously worked as a songwriter, found her true calling in children's literature after a publisher approached her about adapting "A Squash and a Squeeze" into a book.
Her creation of "The Gruffalo" in 1999 marked the beginning of their global phenomenon, selling over 75 million copies worldwide. The Gruffalo was later adapted into a film, and illustrator Scheffler expressed surprise at the book's widespread appeal, stating it has become "universal." Despite their unexpected success, both authors maintain that they didn't enter the world of children's books with the intention of becoming famous or wealthy.
Donaldson's latest book, "Gruffalo Granny," has become the U.K.'s top-selling book of the year across all genres, dedicated to her late husband and creative partner. Donaldson emphasizes the importance of children's literature, advocating for its value in fostering empathy and imagination, and lamenting the underappreciation of this genre compared to adult fiction.
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- The return of the Gruffalo cbsnews.com
