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Children's Literature Icon Julia Donaldson Becomes Dame
12 Jun
Summary
- Julia Donaldson awarded damehood for services to literature.
- She advocates for more libraries and librarians nationwide.
- Her books have sold over 50 million copies globally.
Julia Donaldson, the celebrated author behind "The Gruffalo," has been recognized with a damehood in the King's Birthday Honours for her extensive contributions to literature. Her works, including "The Snail And The Whale" and "Room On The Broom," have achieved global acclaim, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. Donaldson credits her childhood library and a dedicated librarian for inspiring her career.
Donaldson, 77, expressed gratitude for the honour, stating it was a "very happy surprise." She highlighted the importance of children's books receiving such recognition. "A Squash And A Squeeze," initially a song, became her first book in 1993, leading to the monumental success of "The Gruffalo" in 1999, co-created with illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Beyond her literary achievements, Dame Julia is a strong advocate for reading, calling on the government to increase the number of libraries and librarians in schools and communities. She believes these resources are vital for current generations to experience the benefits of reading. Her latest collaboration with Scheffler, "Gruffalo Granny," is set to be released in September 2026.
