Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson

Meet Julia Donaldson

Here at BookClub.com.mt, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the most beloved voices in children's literature: Julia Donaldson. Imagine settling down with a warm cup of coffee and a well-read friend, and that is the feeling Julia's stories evoke. She is the brilliant mind behind countless cherished children's books, captivating young readers and their families worldwide.

The Story Behind the Stories

Born in Hampstead, London, in 1948, Julia Donaldson's journey to becoming a literary superstar is as enchanting as her tales. Her childhood was filled with creativity; she and her younger sister would often put on shows and choreograph ballets. This early love for performance, coupled with a deep appreciation for poetry instilled by her father, who gave her "The Book of a Thousand Poems" at age five, laid the foundation for her future career. Before she became a celebrated author, Julia was a talented singer-songwriter, primarily writing for children's television. This background is key to her distinctive style; her rhyming stories possess an irresistible rhythm and musicality, making them perfect for read-aloud sessions that families adore.

A Life in Books

Julia's career as a book author truly began in 1993 when one of her songs, "A Squash and a Squeeze," was turned into a picture book, illustrated by the phenomenal Axel Scheffler. This marked the start of one of children's literature's most iconic collaborations. Together, they have created modern classics such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Zog, and The Snail and the Whale. Her breakthrough, The Gruffalo, published in 1999, cemented her status as a leading voice in children's literature. Julia served as the UK Children's Laureate from 2011 to 2013, championing the importance of reading and encouraging children to perform poetry and plays. She has written over 200 books, with around 90 of them available in bookshops.

Did You Know?

  • Julia Donaldson often gets her best ideas in the bath!
  • The Gruffalo was inspired by a Chinese folk tale about a clever girl and a tiger, which Julia adapted when she found it hard to rhyme with "tiger."
  • She and her husband, Malcolm, used to busk across Europe, with Julia writing special songs for each country, including "The Spaghetti Song" for Italy!
  • In 2013, Julia and her fans set a world record for the longest chain of paper dolls, measuring over 4.5 kilometres!

Why Readers Love Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson's books resonate deeply with families because they are brimming with warmth, wit, and adventure. Her characters are often small creatures facing big challenges, teaching valuable lessons about bravery, kindness, and friendship. The rhythmic text and engaging narratives make her books a joy to read aloud, fostering a love of stories and language from a very young age. Her legacy is one of bringing pure, unadulterated joy to millions of children, making her an indispensable part of countless childhoods. We invite you to explore her wonderful collection right here at BookClub.com.mt and discover your next family favourite!

28 books available

Latest News

What's new with Julia Donaldson

It’s always a delight to share news from our beloved authors, and this past quarter has brought some truly exciting updates for fans of Julia Donaldson! We were absolutely thrilled to hear that none other than Spider-Man star Tom Holland recently charmed audiences by reading Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s wonderful *Superworm* for a CBeebies Bedtime Story, a perfect treat for little listeners. On top of that, Julia has achieved an incredible milestone, being recognised as the UK's bestselling author of the decade, with a staggering 19.3 million books sold since 2020.

The anticipation is building for the release of *Gruffalo Granny*, the much-awaited third book in the iconic *Gruffalo* series, set to arrive in September. This new adventure promises to bring back beloved characters, and we can’t wait to see what Julia and illustrator Axel Scheffler have in store for us. There’s even a special event planned at the British Library in September where Julia and Axel will introduce *Gruffalo Granny* to young readers.

For those who love to experience stories come to life, Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of *The Gruffalo* is back in London’s West End at the Lyric Theatre for a special summer season, celebrating its 25th anniversary. And if you’re looking for more interactive fun, a fantastic new exhibition, "Wild Things: Animals in Children's Books," just opened at The Lowry in Salford, featuring original artwork and interactive activities inspired by Julia’s enchanting stories.

Have a look through their collection below — there is always something worth discovering.

Last updated July 2026.