Children from a Bath nursery were treated to a very special storytime at Bath Central Library when bestselling creators Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler made a surprise appearance.
The pair, creators of the much-loved The Gruffalo, visited the library as part of an event organised by children’s reading charity BookTrust and publisher Macmillan Children’s Books. Julia read from their eagerly awaited new book, Gruffalo Granny, while Axel brought the story to life with a live drawing session featuring some of the much-loved characters.
There was even a guest appearance from the Gruffalo himself, much to the delight of the children from Guinea Lane Nursery who had gathered for the event. Each of the children was also given their own Gruffalo book to take home and enjoy with their families.
Gruffalo Granny is the first new Gruffalo story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler in more than 20 years. Published by Macmillan Children’s Books on 10 September 2026, it went straight to number one and became the fastest-selling picture book in publishing history.
Julia Donaldson said, “It was a pleasure to read Gruffalo Granny to the children at Bath Central Library and to see them enjoying the story together. I’m delighted that Macmillan Children’s Books and BookTrust are helping so many more children and families share stories through libraries.”
Axel Scheffler added, “It was wonderful to draw the Gruffalo for the children and watch the characters come to life in the library. Events like this can be such an inspiring way for children to enjoy books together and really discover the magic of reading and storytelling.”
The Bath event forms part of BookTrust’s partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books to help boost early years literacy in underserved communities during the National Year of Reading. Macmillan Children’s Books is donating 40,000 Gruffalo books and exclusive activity packs to families through libraries as part of BookTrust’s Bookstart Storytime programme.
The programme uses specially selected books, resources and activities to enhance library storytelling sessions and help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
Lizzie Catford, Director of Children’s Books at BookTrust, said, “It was wonderful to see the children in Bath enjoying such a special storytime with Julia and Axel. Libraries are perfect places for families to discover books together, and today’s visit showed just how joyful sharing a story can be.
“Thanks to the team at Bath Central Library for holding such a fabulous event and for all the work they do throughout the year.
“Children become readers with the support of the people and places around them and we’re hugely grateful to Macmillan Children’s Books for helping us bring these much-loved stories to families through libraries across the country.”
