If you haven’t yet met children’s author Julia Donaldson, you’re in for a treat. She’s best known for The Gruffalo — now a much-loved animated film too — but her back catalogue is packed with rhyming, funny, warm stories that kids ask for again and again. Here are our favourite great Julia Donaldson books for children, in no particular order.
#1. The Gruffalo
“There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo…” The Gruffalo
The mouse talks his way out of trouble by inventing a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo. When he actually meets the real thing, quick thinking saves the day all over again.
Fun fact for fans: there’s a Gruffalo Trail in the Forest of Dean in England, where families can walk in the mouse’s footsteps.
#2. The Gruffalo’s Child
The best-selling sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child, picks up the story with the Gruffalo’s daughter, who sneaks out to find the “big bad mouse” her father warned her about.
On her own journey through the woods she meets the same watchful creatures from the first book, before being cleverly tricked by the mouse’s shadow.
Here’s a lovely treat for fans — Julia Donaldson and her husband Malcolm performing The Gruffalo’s Child song:
#3. Night Monkey, Day Monkey
Written in Julia Donaldson’s signature rhyme, Night Monkey, Day Monkey follows two monkey friends — one awake at night, one awake in the day.
When each spends time in the other’s world, they discover new things and learn what makes a good friend.
Many families tell us it’s become a firm bedtime favourite, loved especially for its gentle rhyme.
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#4. Room on the Broom
In Room on the Broom, a witch and her cat sail happily over forests, rivers and mountains — until a gust of wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand.
One by one, a helpful dog, bird and frog return her belongings, and each asks for a ride in return. The broom gets more and more crowded, until it finally snaps in two — just as a hungry dragon appears.
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#5. The Smartest Giant in Town
In The Smartest Giant in Town, gentle giant George is tired of being the scruffiest giant around, so when a shop opens selling giant-sized clothes, he treats himself to a whole new look.
But as he heads off in his smart new outfit, he keeps meeting animals in need — and gives away a piece of clothing to help each one.
It’s a gentle story that reminds children how good it feels to help others.
#6. The Snail and the Whale
When a tiny snail hitches a ride on a humpback whale in The Snail and the Whale, the pair travel together to far-off lands — a dream come true for a snail who’s never left home before.
When the whale gets into danger near the shore, it’s the tiny snail who has to find a way to help her friend.
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#7. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book is a story within a story within a story. Charlie is reading about a pirate captain, who’s reading about Goldilocks, who’s reading about a knight, who’s reading about a frog — and so on.
With kings and queens, aliens and ghosts all making an appearance, there’s something in it for every kind of young reader. It’s a firm bedtime request in plenty of households.
#8. What the Ladybird Heard
Julia Donaldson herself describes What the Ladybird Heard as a “farmyard thriller” — a bright, colourful story full of animal noises, slapstick action and repeated phrases that invite little ones to join in.
Here’s Julia Donaldson reading What the Ladybird Heard:
#9. Wriggle and Roar
Wriggle and Roar! Rhymes to Join In With is a joyful collection of rhymes made for reading aloud together.
Full of noise, action and movement, it’s a great way to get kids enjoying poetry, brightened by Nick Sharratt’s cheerful illustrations.
#10. A Squash and a Squeeze
“Wise old man, won’t you help me, please? My house is a squash and a squeeze.”
What can you do when your house feels too small? The wise old man has an unusual answer: fill it with a flappy, scratchy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals. Once they’re all sent back outside again, that little house suddenly feels enormous.
A Squash and a Squeeze is another Julia Donaldson classic, illustrated by long-time collaborator Axel Scheffler.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age are Julia Donaldson books suitable for?
Most of her picture books, including The Gruffalo and A Squash and a Squeeze, are aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, roughly ages 2 to 6. The rhyming text and repeated phrases also make them great for early readers just starting to join in with stories themselves.
What is Julia Donaldson’s most popular book?
The Gruffalo is by far her best-known title, thanks in part to the animated film adaptation, but The Gruffalo’s Child and Room on the Broom are close favourites in many households too.
Are Julia Donaldson books good for reluctant readers?
Yes. The strong rhythm, rhyme and repetition make them easy to follow and fun to read aloud, which often helps hesitant readers stay engaged and want to hear (or read) the story again.
Which Julia Donaldson book should we start with?
The Gruffalo is the natural starting point for most families, but if you’re looking for something a little different, What the Ladybird Heard and Room on the Broom are both brilliant read-aloud choices.
More Great Reads
If your family loved these, you might also enjoy our roundups of 10 Great Stories for Kids You Should Have in Your House, the 100 Best Ever Bedtime Stories recommended by parents, and Great Present Books for Kids by Age — all handy for building out the bookshelf.
Save This for Later
Building a home library takes time, so save this list of great Julia Donaldson books to come back to next time you need a gift idea or a new bedtime read. Browse our other kids’ book roundups for more inspiration whenever you’re stuck for what to read next.
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