2019-10-01 Tue

The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has sold more than 14.5 million copies worldwide and it has been translated into more than 84 languages since it was released in 1999. The Gruffalo has won numerous awards including the UK’s best-selling picture book in 2000, and the Blue Peter Best Book to Read Aloud award. It was also voted the Best Bedtime Story in a BBC poll in 2009.

It’s been 20 years since the book was launched, and to mark the book’s 20th anniversary, the Royal Mail has issued a special set of postage stamps depicting characters from The Gruffalo.

The first six stamps follow the original story of Mouse, who travels through a wood meeting other animals, scaring them off with tales of his ‘imaginary’ friend – the fearsome Gruffalo.

The final four stamps are featured in a brand new illustration that Scheffler was commissioned to create by the Royal Mail.

It shows the Gruffalo alongside four other characters: Owl, Snake, and Fox, who react in alarm to the creature, and Mouse, who smiles knowingly.

The first six stamps follow the original story of Mouse and his stroll through the deep dark wood (Royal Mail/PA)

A full set of all 10 stamps, which is available in a special presentation pack including a Gruffalo snakes and ladders game, will go on sale at £12.20.

Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.

Image Courtesy: British Post