Julia Donaldson
The rhyming storyteller behind The Gruffalo, Zog and Tabby McTat.
Julia Donaldson is an author and former Children’s Laureate. The rhyming storyteller behind The Gruffalo, Zog and Tabby McTat. This page is a short guide for parents, teachers and young readers: who they are, which of their books are in the current top 20 and where to start.
About Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson was born on 16 September 1948 in London. She studied drama and French at Bristol University, then worked as a teacher, performed songs as a travelling musician and became a songwriter for children’s television.
Her career as a picture-book author took off after her song “A Squash and a Squeeze” was turned into a book in 1993. The Gruffalo, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, was first published in 1999. She has written more than 150 books, some with accompanying music.
Donaldson served as UK Children’s Laureate from 2011 to 2013.
Julia Donaldson’s books in the top 20
- Gruffalo Granny: number 2 in the list we checked on 7 November 2026. A new rhyming picture book from the creators of The Gruffalo, with a visit from a very special relative.
Other well-known books and work
- The Gruffalo (1999) and The Gruffalo’s Child (2004)
- The Smartest Giant in Town (2003)
- Tabby McTat (2009)
- Zog (2010)
- Running on the Cracks (2009), a novel for teenagers
Awards and recognition
- UK Children’s Laureate, 2011 to 2013
Where to start
For toddlers and preschoolers, begin with The Gruffalo, then move on to Zog or Tabby McTat. All are best read aloud.
Frequently asked questions about Julia Donaldson
Who is Julia Donaldson?
Julia Donaldson was born on 16 September 1948 in London. She studied drama and French at Bristol University, then worked as a teacher, performed songs as a travelling musician and became a songwriter for children’s television.
Which books by Julia Donaldson are in the top 20?
Gruffalo Granny (number 2). See our Top 20 children’s books for the full list.
Where should I start with Julia Donaldson?
For toddlers and preschoolers, begin with The Gruffalo, then move on to Zog or Tabby McTat. All are best read aloud.
Biographical details are drawn from publisher biographies, reference works and the author’s own site, and may have changed. The illustration is our own and is not a likeness of the author. See all the authors.
Sources: Julia Donaldson (Britannica Kids).