Further books illustrated by Axel include Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Zog and The Smeds and the Smoos – all of which have been made into much-loved animated films by Magic Light Pictures.

I loved this addition, as did my 3yr old son, as it introduces an interactive element to story time and promotes active listening. The ideal gift for all Gruffalo fans, The Gruffalo Sound Book is also the perfect introduction to this family favourite . The sounds themselves are not the most exciting (fox sniffing, owl hooting, tummy rumbling) but they make the story a bit more engaging.She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011–13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. As this is my favourite children's book of the day, I just had to get it for him and I thought it was the perfect introduction to books and story telling. This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come.

Discover Julia Donaldson stories to spark the imagination of your little one, plus the latest events and activities based on her bestselling books, in The Gruffalo and Other Stories newsletter. Her other books include Room on the Broom, Stick Man and Zog, illustrated by Axel Scheffle r, The Hospital Dog , illustrated by Sara Ogilvie and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks.Press the twelve sound buttons in the pages of the story to make Julia Donaldson’s classic tale of The Gruffalo come alive!