Pre-Prep Children Enjoy Special Gruffalo Launch Event at Oundle Bookshop
A group of very lucky Pre-Prep children enjoyed a magical visit to the newly renovated Oundle Bookshop yesterday, where they were among the first to hear a special reading of Gruffalo Granny, the brand-new picture book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Released on 10 September 2026, the book marks the first new Gruffalo story in more than 20 years.
The visit gave pupils the opportunity to explore the beautifully refurbished bookshop, which has quickly become a wonderful destination for young readers. The impressive new space includes a dedicated children’s reading area, complete with a magical tree that creates the perfect setting for storytelling and imagination.
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Gathered beneath the enchanting tree, the children listened eagerly as the new story was brought to life. Gruffalo Granny reunites readers with the much-loved characters from the Deep Dark Wood and introduces the Gruffalo’s grandmother in a fresh adventure that is already delighting fans of all ages.
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The event was particularly special because it celebrated the latest chapter in one of children’s literature’s most beloved series. The original The Gruffalo was first published on 23 March 1999 and has captivated generations of readers around the world ever since.
The excitement did not end with the story. Following the reading, the children were interviewed by journalists from the Northamptonshire Telegraph and ITV News, giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts on the new book, the wonderful bookshop and their favourite parts of the visit.
The outing was a fantastic experience for all involved, inspiring a love of reading and celebrating the joy of books in a truly magical setting. We are very grateful to the team at Oundle Bookshop for their warm welcome and for providing such a memorable experience for our young readers.
We look forward to hearing what our budding bookworms think of Gruffalo Granny and to many more literary adventures in this beautiful community space.
