Julia Donaldson (author) and Axel Scheffler (illustrator), the creators of The Gruffalo, spoke to Hungarian readers during a visit to Budapest. According to their Hungarian publisher Pagony, the duo’s books have sold a total of 520,000 copies in Hungary so far.
The pair appeared at a sold‑out reading at the Petőfi Literary Museum, where families and children attended. Both Donaldson and Scheffler said they appreciated the warm reception and the seriousness with which the event was organised.
Why do the stories work worldwide?
Axel Scheffler pointed to several factors behind their success. He highlighted the contrast within the characters — for example, the Gruffalo is frightening from the mouse’s perspective but also comical and not particularly threatening — a contradiction that appeals to children. He believes kids enjoy a touch of ‘fear’ in a safe, humorous context.
Julia Donaldson emphasised that she spends a lot of time thinking about plot and the sound of language; the rhythm and musicality of words matter to her, which makes the texts easy to remember and enjoyable to read aloud. Donaldson said she does not set out to change children’s behaviour directly but prefers to convey values subtly through story and language.
Scheffler added that good children’s books often carry a gentle, entertaining message — for instance, about helping others or being kind. Donaldson noted that some of her characters can be deliberately subversive — such as a lying mouse or a villainous rat — and that ambivalence is part of the fun.
New book and a children’s opera
Their latest title, The Gruffalo’s Big ... ("A graffalónagyira"), was released in mid‑September after what the authors described as a 22‑year wait. Following its publication, Iván Fischer, conductor of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, composed a children’s opera based on The Gruffalo, which was recently premiered.
Both creators said they were surprised and delighted that a picture book could evolve into such large‑scale projects; Donaldson admitted she had not imagined such an outcome, and Scheffler noted that adaptations of that scale are uncommon.
Artificial intelligence and possible legal action
In the interview Axel Scheffler raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on creative work and said he is considering legal steps related to the use of AI. He did not disclose detailed plans but made clear that protecting creative labour is important to him.
Dates and figures
- The first Gruffalo book was originally published in 1999.
- Pagony reports 520,000 copies sold in Hungary to date.
- The authors’ appearance and reading at the Petőfi Literary Museum took place on November 4.
- Their newest book was released in mid‑September after a 22‑year wait.
The Budapest events underlined that a picture book can have lasting global influence and can inspire cross‑disciplinary projects such as a children’s opera, while also bringing into focus legal and technological challenges — including those posed by artificial intelligence — that concern today’s creators.
