BookTrust has partnered with Macmillan Children’s Books to bring the much-loved Gruffalo stories to libraries across the country, in support of the publisher’s mission to help boost early years literacy in underserved communities during the National Year of Reading.
As part of the partnership, Macmillan Children’s Books will donate 40,000 copies of brand new story Gruffalo Granny, original book The Gruffalo, sequel The Gruffalo’s Child, and for younger readers, Have You Seen The Gruffalo? The books will be made available to libraries along with exclusive activity sheets.
Gruffalo Granny, the first new Gruffalo story in more than 20 years by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is published by Macmillan Children’s Books on 10 September 2026.
Delivery to participating libraries is planned for the autumn and the books will form part of this year’s BookTrust Storytime programme. The programme uses curated books, resources and activities to enhance library storytelling sessions and help develop a love of reading, with all the benefits that brings for development, attainment and wellbeing.
BookTrust’s work with libraries
The partnership forms part of BookTrust’s wider work to celebrate the role of libraries and to help more children experience the benefits of shared reading.
Libraries will use the books in story sessions, themed activities, and family engagement work, and share copies with families to enjoy at home.
Julie Hayward, BookTrust’s Director of Partnerships, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Macmillan Children’s Books to bring these iconic stories to libraries and the families they support.
“Shared reading in the early years can be transformative, helping children build language, confidence, imagination and connection.
“We hope this partnership will create many joyful story moments for children and carers across the country.”
Meanwhile, Alison Ruane, Managing Director of Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “The Gruffalo stories have been loved by generations of children, and we’re proud to be working with BookTrust to help more families and communities share in all the magic of the deep, dark wood through their local libraries.
“With the forthcoming publication of Gruffalo Granny, this partnership is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate storytelling, support reading for pleasure and reach children with stories they will remember for years to come.
“Both Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have long supported literacy efforts across the UK, with Julia recently taking the opportunity to make a plea to the government for more libraries and more librarians in our communities after her Damehood was announced in The King’s Birthday Honours.”
