Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson is the author of many best-selling books for children. She has also written children’s plays and songs, and runs regular storytelling workshops. Julia lives in Glasgow with her husband, Malcolm, and their family. Below are the answers to some questions we asked Julia.

Q. When did you decide to be a writer?
A. For my fifth birthday, my father gave me a very fat book called The Book of a Thousand Poems. I loved it. I read the poems, recited them, learnt them, and then started making up some of my own. Although I wanted to be a poet all those years ago, I later decided I would rather go on the stage. That didn’t quite work out, so I did other jobs – teaching and publishing. But somehow I’ve ended up doing what I wanted to do when I was five years old. I have a theory that this happens to quite a lot of people.

Q. When did you start to write books?
A. In 1993, when one of my songs, ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ was made into a book. Before that I wrote songs for children’s television.

Q. Your book Tiddler  is coming out in paperback. What gave you the idea for that story?
A. I’ve been snorkelling a few times and love the colourful underwater world of fish and coral. Also, I often used to be late for school and was quite good at making up excuses, like Tiddler.

Q. How many books have you written?
A: I’ve just counted, and I make it 152! That sounds a lot but 60 of those are very short phonic reading books for schools, called Songbirds.
 
Q. Have you written any longer books?
A. Yes. I’ve written three chapter books about naughty Princess Mirror-Belle, who comes out of a mirror, and a novel called The Giants and the Joneses, about three children who are captured by a girl giant.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Walking, cycling, playing the piano, singing. I’m also interested in wild flowers and fungi.

Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I have three cats. Campsie is female, and Gizmo and Goblin are her big tough sons. Their favourite hobby is going in the garden, getting their paws muddy and then walking all over whatever I have just been writing. (And they gave me the idea for yet another book, Tabby McTat, which will come out next year.)

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Featured Books, with extracts by Julia Donaldson

Tabby McTat
Julia Donaldson
Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have teamed up again to create a heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship. When Tabby McTat the busker’s cat gets separated from the busker he begins a new life on his...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/09/2010

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Zog
Julia Donaldson
The creators of the best-selling Gruffalo have invented a delightful new character – Zog the little dragon who always wants to do best at school. Zog’s determination to win gold stars leads him into loads of mishaps but luckily he...
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/09/2010

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Cave Baby
Julia Donaldson
Best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has teamed up with prize-winning illustrator Emily Gravett to create a wonderfully witty story about a cheeky little Cave Baby. When the Cave Baby scribbles on the walls of his cave he is...
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/08/2010

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The Troll
Julia Donaldson
A picture book for kids that love Adventure.  An original and witty version of a traditional tale which shows what happens when two stories get blended into one. The Troll lives under the bridge – which is where he...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/06/2010

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What The Ladybird Heard
Julia Donaldson
A Picture Book for kids that love Animals.  Bestselling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Lydia Monks have teamed up for another brilliant picture book. Right in the farmyard among all the noisy animals with their MOOs! and QUACKS! and BAAs! and OINKs! ...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/03/2010

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Toddle Waddle
Julia Donaldson
There's a hullabaloo at the seaside when a toddler takes his friends on a stroll to the end of the pier. Hurry scurry, flip flop, toddle waddle. With jaunty rhymes and bright, bold pictures even the youngest child will love this simple, playful...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2010

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The Gruffalo Magnet Book
Julia Donaldson
The best-selling Gruffalo is back in a new, interactive format in this make-your-own book. Gruffalo fans will love the chance of creating their very own version of a favourite story as they recreate scenes in this magnetic edition. Lots of...
Format: Board book - Released: 02/10/2009

Price: £9.74- Saving £3.25 (25%)

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Stick Man
Julia Donaldson
Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/09/2009

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Tabby McTat
Julia Donaldson
Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have teamed up again to create a heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship. When Tabby McTat the busker’s cat gets separated from the busker he begins a new life on his...
Format: Hardback - Released: 07/09/2009

Price: £8.24- Saving £2.75 (25%)

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The Gruffalo's Child Activity Book
Julia Donaldson
Fans of The Gruffalo’s Child will love retelling their favourite story in their own way with the reusable stickers of the very special characters. There are also games, puzzles and colouring in activities to add to the fun. A brilliant...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/09/2009

Price: £2.99- Saving £1.00 (25%)

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The Troll
Julia Donaldson
A picture book for kids that love Adventure.  An original and witty version of a traditional tale which shows what happens when two stories get blended into one. The Troll lives under the bridge – which is where he...
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/07/2009

Price: £8.24- Saving £2.75 (25%)

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The Gruffalo Party Pack
Julia Donaldson
Bestselling character The Gruffalo makes the perfect centre piece for a party. This pack contains everything needed to create a brilliant themed event filled with all the details of the fabulous Gruffalo world. There’s a party book with suggestions of...
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 05/06/2009

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Tiddler Book and CD
Julia Donaldson
Book and CD. Best-selling author/ illustrator of The Gruffalo have created a fantastic new character with Tiddler, the little fish who tells some big stories! Showcasing their remarkable talent at the top of their game, they tell the story of tiddler with humour,...
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 01/06/2009

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The Gruffalo (10th Anniversary edition)
Julia Donaldson
Firmly established as a modern classic which is loved by children the world over, this handsome special edition says Happy 10th Birthday to The Gruffalo. Along with the original story there is an introduction by Julia Donaldson about how the...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/03/2009

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What the Ladybird Heard
Julia Donaldson
Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks have teamed up for another brilliant picture book. Right in the farmyard among all the noisy animals with their MOOs! and QUACKS! and BAAs! and OINKs!  lives a tiny silent ladybird....
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/03/2009

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Running On The Cracks
Julia Donaldson
A thrilling corkscrew of a novel that twists and turns weaving several strands of story into one compelling narrative, and the first novel from an established and bestselling picture book author for younger readers. Orphaned after the death of her...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/03/2009

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The Gruffalo Pop-up Theatre Book
Julia Donaldson
Not only can you read and reread the much loved story of the Gruffalo in this complete work of art but you can open the pop-up stage to act out the adventures of the little brown mouse, or even create...
Format: Novelty Book - Released: 07/11/2008

Price: £11.99- Saving £4.00 (25%)

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Stick Man
Julia Donaldson
Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/09/2008

Price: £8.24- Saving £2.75 (25%)

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Tiddler
Julia Donaldson
Best-selling author/ illustrator of The Gruffalo have created a fantastic new character with Tiddler, the little fish who tells some big stories! Showcasing their remarkable talent at the top of their game, they tell the story of tiddler with humour,...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2008

Price: £4.49- Saving £1.50 (25%)

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Tyrannosaurus Drip
Julia Donaldson
A mix up with eggs has a placid duckbill dinosaur being brought up by T-Rex’s – clearly this causes hilarious problems. With Julia Donaldson’s irresistible, rollicking rhyming text and David Roberts’ glorious illustration, this bold and brilliant picture book crackles with wit. A future...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/07/2008

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Night Monkey, Day Monkey
Julia Donaldson
How the world looks by night and by day is nicely contrasted in this entertaining story of two different life styles, which can sometimes – just – meet in the middle. Night Monkey and Day Monkey live in contrasting worlds....
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 02/06/2008

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The Gruffalo Slipcase
Julia Donaldson
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.” So begins the story of how a clever little mouse outwits his big scary enemy. The tasty little mouse needs...
Format: Hardback - Released: 05/10/2007

Price: £11.24- Saving £3.75 (25%)

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Room On The Broom And Other Songs (Book and CD)
Julia Donaldson
A book of nine songs and music together with an accompanying CD including her most famous Room on the Broom.  Julia may well be one of the UK’s best-loved picture book authors but she is also a very talented song...
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 05/10/2007

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Room On The Broom And Other Songs (Book and CD)
Julia Donaldson
A book of nine songs and music together with an accompanying CD including her most famous Room on the Broom. Julia may well be one of the UK’s best-loved picture book authors but she is also a very talented song...
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 05/10/2007

Price: £5.51- Saving £1.84 (25%)

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Princess And The Wizard - Book and CD
Julia Donaldson
New fangled techniques can spoil a good story but here, the use of glitter on every page is nothing short of inspirational. And now with accompaning CD. It provides that wonderful opportunity for children to linger on each spread and...
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 07/09/2007

Price: £6.74- Saving £2.25 (25%)

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Princess And The Wizard
Julia Donaldson
A Picture Book for kids that love Magic.  New fangled techniques can spoil a good story but here, the use of glitter on every page is nothing short of inspirational and provides that wonderful opportunity for children to linger...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/09/2007

Price: £4.49- Saving £1.50 (25%)

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Tiddler
Julia Donaldson
Best-selling author/ illustrator of The Gruffalo have created a fantastic new character with Tiddler, the little fish who tells some big stories! Can they be true? A bouncy, rhyming text delights while the jewel bright illustrations bring alive the feeling...
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/09/2007

Price: £8.24- Saving £2.75 (25%)

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Tyrannosaurus Drip
Julia Donaldson
A mix up with eggs has a placid duckbill dinosaur being brought up by T-Rex’s – clearly this causes hilarious problems. With Julia Donaldson’s irresistible, rollicking rhyming text and David Roberts’ glorious illustration, this bold and brilliant picture book crackles...
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/07/2007

Price: £8.24- Saving £2.75 (25%)

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Hippo has a Hat
Julia Donaldson
There's chaos in the clothes shop when the animals go on a glorious shopping spree. Zebra's zip is stuck and Toad's tracksuit is far too big, but Flamingo finds a stylish bag, and Caterpillar's shoes are really cool. You've never seen a fashion...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/04/2007

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Princess And The Wizard
Julia Donaldson
A Picture Book for kids that love Magic.  New fangled techniques can spoil a good story but here, the use of glitter on every page is nothing short of inspirational and provides that wonderful opportunity for children to linger...
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/10/2006

Price: £8.24- Saving £2.75 (25%)

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Playtime!
Julia Donaldson
Rarely do mainstream publishers feel they can justify the publication of plays so we’re particularly delighted to be able to introduce to you this lovely collection, from the queen of song and verse, perfect for the family to act out...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/08/2006

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Rosie's Hat
Julia Donaldson
This is a complete gem from doyen of the picture book world, Julia Donaldson following the adventures of a hat after it blows of Rosie's head - but will she ever get it bacK?Rosie’s Hat is an absolute must for baby...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/07/2006

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Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose
Julia Donaldson
A brilliant rendition played out by some absolutely delightful animals on how not to behave.  Sheep, goose and others behave badly whilst rabbit gets angry when everyone seem unable to behave at all.  As ever, there’s a moral...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/04/2006

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Princess Mirror-belle and the Flying Horse
Julia Donaldson
Magic and mayhem princess style – so if your child is desperate to be a princess this will be right up her street.  Packed with stacks of fun, Miror-belle is a character not to be missed.
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/04/2006

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Charlie Cook's Favourite Book
Julia Donaldson
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2007 'Most Fun Story with Pictures.' Another gem from the prize-winning creators of The Gruffalo. There are lots of reading jokes in this book within a book, within a book: pirates and robbers settle...
Format: Hardback - Released: 02/09/2005

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Wriggle And Roar!
Julia Donaldson
Age 0-5+ Giggle along to these wonderful rhymes whether you’re with your toddler in the nursery or the car. Full of action and noise it’s guaranteed to get kids engaged and stimulated to love poetry. Julia’s verse jumps off the...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/04/2005

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Crazy Mayonnaisy Mum
Julia Donaldson
Age 5+ Crazy Mayonnaisy Mum is packed with all sorts of hilarious poems and rhymes. This book comes complete with some fantastic illustrations by Nick Sharratt.
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/03/2005

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Squash And A Squeeze
Julia Donaldson
For my family and I this is still one of THE best picture books ever published. It was first published some 13 years ago, was Julia and Axel’s first collaboration and is now years later an absolute classic.  Simply told...
Format: Paperback - Released: 20/06/2004

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Snail and the Whale
Julia Donaldson
A useful book about the Environment. If bestsellers were decided upon by the number of prestigious awards a book had won then this one, with echoes of Edward Lear would be the blockbuster of all time.  Julia really is a past-master...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/09/2003

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Room On The Broom and other songs
Julia Donaldson
A book of nine songs and music together with an accompanying CD including her most famous Room on the Broom. Julia may well be one of the UK’s best-loved picture book authors but she is also a very talented song...
Format: Hardback - Released: 21/09/2001

Price: £9.74- Saving £3.25 (25%)

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The Gruffalo
Julia Donaldson
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.” So begins the story of how a clever little mouse outwits his big scary enemy. The tasty little mouse needs...
Format: Paperback - Released: 27/08/1999

Price: £4.49- Saving £1.50 (25%)

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Room On The Broom And Other Songs (Book and CD)
Julia Donaldson
A book of nine songs and music together with an accompanying CD including her most famous Room on the Broom.  Julia may well be one of the UK’s best-loved picture book authors but she is also a very talented...
Format: Mixed Media Product - Released: 00/00/0000

Price: £10.47- Saving £-3.47 (-50%)

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