The gruffalo - t01 - the gruffalo

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

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.