Listen to 'The Gruffalo'

Help us give the magic of Talking Books to children

'The Gruffalo' is a wonderful children's book by writer and playwright Julia Donaldson.

It tells the story of a mouse taking a walk through a deep, dark wood.

Written for children aged from three to seven, it is funny and full of suspense.

It's not only adored by kids but adults love it too, making it the perfect bedtime story.

The book has won several prizes for children's literature and celebrates its 13th anniversary this year.


Listen to an extract of 'The Gruffalo'

Did you know...?

The story is based on a traditional Chinese folk tale of a fox that borrows the terror of a tiger. Donaldson was unable to think of rhymes for "tiger" so invented one for "know" instead and so the Gruffalo was born!


Support Talking Books

Some children will never see the Gruffalo. But you can bring him to life in their imagination.

For most children, reading is a magical experience. Blind and partially sighted children, like Ruth, aren't so lucky as only seven per cent of books published each year make it into accessible formats they can read.

We offer support to people of all ages and RNIB Talking Books bring the joy of the written word to those who can't read normal books for themselves.

Please donate today - you could give the magic of Talking Books to blind and partially sighted children.

The Gruffalo's Child, Text Copyright © Julia Donaldson 2004. Illustrations Copyright © Axel Scheffler 2004. Published by Macmillan Children's Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers Ltd.


Last updated: 31 December 2012

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Meet Ruth


"I love listening to every sound. It's like I'm there in my head. I can't wait for the next one." Ruth, aged 10.

Ruth sometimes feels cut off from the world. Find out how Talking Books help.