Donaldson and Scheffler's Collaboration with Macmillan Children Spans 30 years.

According to Macmillan Children's, a freshly designed foil roundel will be placed on all anniversary books released during the year

on Jan 31, 2023

Donaldson and Scheffler's Collaboration with Macmillan Children

With new releases and an events schedule, Macmillan Children's Books commemorates the 30 years of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's creative collaboration.

The first picture book by the team, A Squash and a Squeeze was released in March 1993 and, according to the publisher, has been read 2.2 million times in 33 different countries.

With the release of a new paperback version of A Squash and A Squeeze that included a foil cover and additional information from the authors, anniversary publishing got underway in January. To show how the iconic characters were created, the special edition includes a letter from Donaldson and some early sketches by Scheffler.

According to Macmillan Children's, a freshly designed foil roundel will be placed on all anniversary books released during the year. Eight-anniversary versions of A Squash and a Squeeze, The Gruffalo, Monkey Puzzle, Room on the Broom, The Smartest Giant in Town, The Snail, and the Whale, The Gruffalo's Child, and Charlie Cook's Favorite Book will be released in May as part of the additional publication.

Creating Art In May, The Gruffalo and Friends will also be released. According to the publisher's description, a brand-new step-by-step drawing tutorial for families to enjoy while learning to depict ten well-known characters from Julia and Axel's books.

"Filled with exercises to foster creativity, never-before-seen doodles, and guidance from Axel Scheffler on everything from character development to cover design," the publisher continued.

The Amazing World of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, dubbed "a stunning treasury, bursting with never-before-seen artwork and behind-the-scenes information about the bestselling pair's extraordinary creative partnership," will be released in October, marking the culmination of the anniversary year.

There will be several events, widespread media coverage, and many high-profile collaborations in a year-round marketing and PR effort. According to Macmillan Children's Books Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, MD: "What an incredible moment this is. Julia and Axel have an extraordinary partnership, and together, their stories bring a particular kind of magic to their young or old readers. Not many creative duos have touched so many lives worldwide—and with The Gruffalo now translated into 107 languages and dialects, we can honestly say that. We are proud to work with them as publishers, and they are dear to us all at Macmillan Children's Books. We wish them many congratulations on reaching this brilliant 30-year milestone and look forward to celebrating it throughout the year."