What is he up to?

Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler discuss their longstanding collaboration on children’s classics such as The Gruffalo in conversation with Bodley’s Librarian Richard Ovenden and receive the Bodley Medal for outstanding contribution to children’s books.

Julia and Axel first began collaborating more than 30 years ago when a song written by Donaldson, A Squash and a Squeeze, was published with illustrations by Axel. The success of the book made Donaldson realise she could turn to writing and a collaboration was born that led to classics such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man. The Gruffalo has sold more than 17 million copies and won several awards, including the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize. It has been adapted into plays and an animated film. Their latest collaboration is Jonty Gentoo, winner of The British Book Awards 2025.

What is the secret of their collaboration and how do they work together? How important is the marriage of words and illustrations in picture books for young children? And what do they think about getting children hooked on to books and reading at a very young age?

How can I find out more?

Go to the Oxford Literary Festival website