Early Life and Creative Beginnings
Julia Donaldson is a celebrated British author best known for her children’s books. Many of her stories have become modern classics.
Her background in drama and music strongly influences her work. As a result, her stories feature rhythm, rhyme, and lyrical language. She often weaves song and performance into her storytelling.
Breakthrough Success: The Gruffalo
Donaldson achieved worldwide fame with The Gruffalo. Axel Scheffler illustrated the book, which first appeared in 1999. The book won numerous awards and sold millions of copies around the world. Because of its success, Donaldson wrote a sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child. The story also inspired stage productions and animated films.
A Celebrated Creative Partnership
Beyond The Gruffalo, Donaldson and Scheffler created many other beloved titles. These include Room on the Broom, Stick Man, and Zog. Each book combines engaging storytelling with memorable characters and Scheffler’s distinctive illustrations.
Consequently, children, parents, and educators widely admire Donaldson’s work. Her clear narratives and playful language make her stories especially appealing to young readers.
Collaborations with Other Illustrators
In addition to her partnership with Scheffler, Donaldson has worked with many other illustrators. Notable examples include The Snail and the Whale and What the Ladybird Heard, illustrated by Lydia Monks.
Through these collaborations, Donaldson demonstrates her ability to adapt her writing to different artistic styles while maintaining her distinctive voice.
Awards, Recognition, and Global Reach
Donaldson’s contributions to children’s literature have earned widespread recognition. She served as the UK Children’s Laureate from 2011 to 2013. During this time, she actively promoted reading, storytelling, and access to books for children.
Moreover, publishers have translated her books into many languages. This global reach continues to expand her influence worldwide.
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.)
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – The Snail and the Whale Jigsaw Book – First Edition 2007
£85.00A first edition, first printing of ‘The Snail and the Whale’ Jigsaw Book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2007. A very good…
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Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks – Sharing a Shell Jigsaw Book – First Edition 2008
£75.00A first edition, first printing of ‘Sharing a Shell’ Jigsaw Book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2008. A very good book with…
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – Tiddler – DOUBLE SIGNED First Edition 2007
£975.00A first edition, first printing of ‘Tiddler’ published by Alison Green in 2007. A near fine book in like unclipped wrapper – no inscriptions. SIGNED by Scheffler on the title…
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – Stick Man – First UK Edition 2008 – SIGNED by Donaldson
£600.00First edition, first printing. Published by Alison Green Books in London, 2008. This is a very near fine copy. The dust wrapper, nicely illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Complete with the…
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Julia Donaldson [with] Nick Sharratt – One Mole Digging A Hole – First Edition 2008
£95.00A first edition, first printing of ‘One Mole Digging A Hole’ published by Macmillan in 2008. A very good book – some rubbing to the corners.
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book – First Edition 2005
£225.00A first edition, first printing published by Macmillan in 2005. A near fine book in very good unclipped wrapper with a closed tear to the rear panel. Wear to the…
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Julia Donaldson [Alex Scheffler] – The Gruffalo’s Child – DOUBLE SIGNED First Edition 2004
£750.00A first edition, first printing published by Macmillan in 2004. A fine book in like wrapper. SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler without dedication to the title page. A beautiful copy….
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – Room On The Broom – First Edition 2001 – SIGNED, DATED, LOCATED and DOODLED
£1,950.00A first edition, first printing of ‘Room On The Broom’ by Julia Donaldson, published by Macmillan, London in 2001, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. A very good copy in a very…
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Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler – The Smartest Giant In Town – First Edition 2002
£375.00A first edition, first printing of ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ published by Macmillan in 2002. A fine book without wrapper – no inscriptions.
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – The Baddies – First Edition 2022
£35.00A first edition, first printing of The Baddies, published by Alison Green in 2022. A fine copy in like wrapper.
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – The Gruffalo – Gift Edition in Slip Case – DOUBLE SIGNED and DOODLED
£1,250.00A first edition of the Gift Edition published eight years after the [almost] unfindable Macmillan true first edition. A near fine book with full numberline 1-9 the same format as…
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Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler – The Smartest Giant in Town – First UK Edition 2002 – SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler, DATED and LOCATED and with original illustration
£1,500.00A first edition, first printing of ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ published by Macmillan in 2002. A fine book in like unclipped wrapper – no inscriptions. SIGNED by Donaldson and…
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – Stick Man – First UK Edition 2008 – SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler, DATED and LOCATED and with original illustration
£875.00A first edition, first printing of ‘Stick Man’ published by Alison Green in 2008. A fine book in like unclipped wrapper – no inscriptions. SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler on…
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Julia Donaldson [Alex Scheffler] – The Gruffalo’s Child – First UK Edition 2004 – SIGNED on date of publication and doodled by Scheffler and Donaldson – with double signed and doodled ‘Gruffalo Ginger Biscuits’
£1,250.00A first edition, first printing published by Macmillan in 2004. A fine book in like wrapper. SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler. In addition, Scheffler has dated 24.9.2004 (date of publication)…
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Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler – Zog And The Flying Doctors – First Edition 2016 SIGNED, Dated, located and doodled by Scheffler and Donaldson
£600.00A first edition, first printing published by Alison Green Books in 2016. Zog and the Flying Doctors is fine without inscriptions in like wrapper. SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler and…
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Julia Donaldson [Axel Scheffler] – Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book – First Edition 2005 – SIGNED by Donaldson and Scheffler on date of publication with original illustration by Axel Scheffler
£875.00A first edition, first printing of ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’ published by Alison Green in 2005. A fine book in like unclipped wrapper – no inscriptions. SIGNED by Scheffler on…
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.)
