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Stories to Share: Reading, Rhyme and Family Time
Primary Times explores why family story time still matters, as we venture back into the deep dark wood with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler…
As concerns around children’s reading habits continue, could sharing stories as a family be one of the best ways to reignite a love of reading? With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, there’s never been a better time to discover the joy of books – and sometimes, it can be as simple as finding a story everyone wants to share.
The magic of reading together
Reading isn’t just about building literacy skills. It’s a chance to share an adventure, sparking imagination while creating moments of connection. It gives families time to talk, laugh and explore new worlds together. These moments can strengthen bonds and create treasured family traditions, turning reading into a lasting habit.
Family favourites
Since The Gruffalo first stomped into the deep dark wood in 1999, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved creation has become a childhood classic. With more than 18 million copies sold worldwide, the story’s popularity has also inspired an award-winning animated film, stage productions, woodland trails and even a theme park ride. More than 25 years on, The Gruffalo is arguably an intergenerational favourite, with some of the children who first discovered the story now sharing it with their own little ones.
And now there’s a brand-new adventure! In Gruffalo Granny, readers meet a new member of the family. Combining Julia Donaldson’s wonderful storytelling and unmistakable rhyme and rhythm with Axel Scheffler’s instantly recognisable illustrations, it’s packed with humour, bravery, and plenty of fun.
Julia Donaldson said, “It’s always a challenge to write a sequel. I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn’t think how to develop it. It was only when the NLT, whose work I’m very impressed by, used the first two books as part of their Early Words Matter programme that I was spurred on to get my idea out of the cupboard and see once and for all if I could turn it into a really satisfying story.”
Julia added, “To my surprise, I managed to do just that! I was of course delighted when Axel came on board. I really hope that children – and adults too – will enjoy the new story, as I know what a wonderful experience shared reading can be.”
Axel Scheffler said, “Never say never – a lesson learnt for me who, whenever asked, denied the possibility of another visit to the deep dark wood. Till one day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not!”
Axel added, “As I have had to draw the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the last 20 years, I’m not completely out of practice.”
Make story time special
Five ways to beat a reading slump and bring the fun back…
🍃 Read together: Even confident independent readers can enjoy sharing a story aloud.
🍃 Let them choose: Let children pick what they want to read – repetition isn’t a bad thing!
🍃 Get silly: Try funny voices, act out scenes or make predictions about what happens next to bring stories to life.
🍃 Look beyond books: Comics, magazines, graphic novels, joke books and fact books all count as reading for pleasure.
🍃 Pass it on: Encourage grandparents and other family members to create their own special story-time traditions too.
Could reading become your next family ritual?
Gruffalo Granny by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler is published by Macmillan Children’s Books (£14.99) and out now.
Image credit (Julia & Axel): Urszula Soltys 2025