The Gruffalo

by Julia Donaldson, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
The Gruffalo cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £14.99 CD-Audio • £5.99 Board book • £6.49 Multiple items • £9.98
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 766
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 126
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
The BookBag · 2025-10-08
engaging 3.50

The illustrations are vivid and colorful, though the reviewer is not overly fond of the style. The book is praised for its engaging story and imaginative content.

The reviewer from The BookBag notes the book's vivid and colorful illustrations, though they express a preference for different artistic styles. Despite this, they appreciate the book's engaging story and imaginative content, making it a classic read for both children and parents. The reviewer acknowledges the book's ability to capture the imagination of young readers.

Quick quotes

    It is nicely and vividly illustrated, with colourful, realistic pictures done in a slightly child-mannered style.

    I am not overtly fond of Scheffler's pictures, but the story is engaging and imaginative.

    The book captures the imagination of pre-schoolers and makes for a delightful read.

Common Sense Media · Kate Pavao · 2025-10-08
Inspiring 4.00

The book is commended for its positive message that might doesn't always make right. The clever mouse character is seen as a great role model for children.

Kate Pavao highlights the book's important message that intelligence and cleverness can overcome physical strength, making it a valuable lesson for children. She praises the mouse as a clever and resourceful character who outsmarts larger predators, providing a positive role model for young readers. The reviewer also notes the book's engaging story and beautiful illustrations, which make it a favorite among parents and children. She believes the book's themes of bravery and wit are particularly important for children to learn and appreciate.

Quick quotes

    Parents need to know that this classic children's book teaches kids that might doesn't always make right as a clever mouse outsmarts predators much bigger than himself.

    The illustrations are vibrant and full of detail, adding to the charm of the story.

    It's a delightful read that children will want to hear again and again.

Afridiziak · 2024-07-24
delightful 4.50

The book is described as a delightful experience that combines the joys of theatre and children's literature. The reviewer's daughter enjoyed it immensely.

The reviewer describes the book as a delightful experience that beautifully combines the joys of theatre and children's literature. The story is noted for its engaging and entertaining qualities, which captivated the reviewer's daughter. The book's ability to bring together different forms of storytelling is praised, making it a memorable and enjoyable read for children.

Quick quotes

    A delightful experience, one which my daughter enjoyed immensely and tapped into the joys of theatre when it meets children's literature.

    The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, moved effortlessly from contemporary cult to modern classic status.

    The story of the clever little mouse ...

Author K A Cummins · 2023-11-06
delightful 4.50

The story's lighthearted tone and rhyming structure make it a delightful read. The repetition of the line "A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?" adds to its charm.

The reviewer appreciates the lighthearted tone and the clever use of rhyme in the story. The repetition of the line "A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?" is highlighted as a particularly engaging element that keeps young readers involved. The playful interaction between the mouse and the various animals, including the gruffalo, is noted for its whimsical and entertaining nature. Overall, the story is seen as a fun and engaging read for children, with a structure that makes it enjoyable to read aloud.

Quick quotes

    "The story has a lighthearted tone and is told in rhyme, repeating the line 'A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?' each time the mouse encounters..."

    "The playful interaction between the mouse and the various animals, including the gruffalo, is noted for its whimsical and entertaining nature."

    "Overall, the story is seen as a fun and engaging read for children, with a structure that makes it enjoyable to read aloud."

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