Julia Donaldson: ‘Am I the Gruffalo Granny? Not really. I’m the mouse’
As she introduces the latest member of her Gruffalo family, Julia Donaldson talks about storytelling, loss and the worries that come with being Britain’s all-time bestselling author
TL;DR
- Julia Donaldson's 1999 book, The Gruffalo, has become a classic, selling over 18.2 million copies worldwide with its sequel.
- Donaldson is Britain's bestselling author across all genres since records began.
- The new book, 'Gruffalo Granny,' is presented as the final outing for the Gruffalo character.
- The inspiration for 'Gruffalo Granny' is Shahrazad from The Arabian Nights, with the book celebrating storytelling.
- Donaldson expresses concern about her overwhelming success potentially overshadowing new talent and is working on a project to recommend other authors' books.
- She discusses her personal life, including her role as a grandmother and the profound impact of losing her husband and son.
- Donaldson continues to write and publish new books, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and real-life events.