Image: BookTrust
By Lucy Neill | 26 October 2026
Several of Suffolk’s libraries are giving away a limited number of free copies of the Gruffalo books by Julia Donaldson through a partnership with BookTrust and Macmillan Children’s Books.
These books are being given away in support of the National Year of Reading to help boost early years literacy.
Copies include the original story of The Gruffalo, as well as The Gruffalo’s Child, Have You Seen the Gruffalo?, and the most recent addition to the series, Gruffalo Granny.
First published in 1999, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler has been an iconic and beloved story for children for several generations.
The following libraries are part of this scheme:
- Beccles
- Bury St Edmunds
- Capela
- Felixstowe
- Gainsborough
- Hadleigh
- Haverhill
- Ipswich
- Lowestoft
- Mildenhall
- Newmarket
- Stowmarket
- Sudbury
- Woodbridge.
(Please note: there are limited copies available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact your local library for more information).
Erin Hamilton, Early Literacy and Youth Engagement Lead for Suffolk Community Libraries, said:
“We are so pleased to be able to gift copies of this beloved series to families with young children, perhaps discovering the joy and wonder of reading The Gruffalo for the very first time!”
Each library also received exclusive activity sheets created by BookTrust for children of all ages to enjoy.
Many libraries are running special Gruffalo-themed events and activities throughout October half-term. Visit our What’s On page to browse all half-term events or speak with staff at your local library to find out more.
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