Picture book review : The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 and has won many awards as well as a place in my children's hearts! Julia Donaldson has written other children's books but for many this is the best! It's got a whole collection of soft toys, games, room decorations, and other items inspired by the brilliant artwork of Axel Scheffler.

The book tells the simple story of a mouse who takes a walk in the forest and has to avoid becoming lunch to the various animals he meets. He creates what he thinks is an imaginary scary monster to keep them at bay and it turns out that the Gruffalo really exists!

The story is one parents will enjoy reading to small children. It's easy pace and alliteration make this a fun book too! Children will request this book at bedtime again and again! The story will appeal to children from an early age and it'll be one of their preferred books to be read because of the rhymes and fun storyline.


This story can be one that helps your child learn to read too. When they love stories they learn the words and when they sit with you to read the book you can put your finger on the words so they can start to learn to read. This technique is very easy to do and can start your child off learning their letters and beginning to recognise words.

The Gruffalo is a scary monster when the mouse finally meets him but the mouse is cunning and shows the monster how the other animals are all frightened of him and scares the Gruffalo away.

Gruffalo toys are available for fans of the Gruffalo at Cartoon Network.

There also a short animated film based on this classic children's picture book released by BBC on 2009.

Year 2014 marks the 15th anniversary of the Gruffalo. Join in the Gruffalo’s birthday celebrations with the special edition, which comes complete with exclusive bonus content, including early drawings from Axel’s sketchbook, some of which have never been seen before, and a new, specially written foreword from Julia herself.