The Smartest Giant in Town

A funny, big-hearted tale about kindness and friendship, The Smartest Giant in Town is a bestselling classic from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.
George the giant is very proud of his smart new outfit . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes! – and he realises that a kind heart is more important than looking smart.
This classic story is a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson and Scheffler fans – big and small!
Look out for Gruffalo Granny, the brand new Gruffalo picture book adventure - coming on 10th September 2026!
Discover more picture books from Julia and Axel: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom.

Julia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 18 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over one hundred languages. Her other books include Room on the Broom, Stick Man and Zog, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Hospital Dog, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle series, illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs – and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011–13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia divides her time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.

Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator whose instantly recognizable, warm and witty illustrations have achieved worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. Axel is the illustrator of wonderful novelty, gift and poetry books for Macmillan, such as Fish Who Dream of Trees (Two Hoots) and the bestselling The Bedtime Bear, The Tickle Book and Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes – and of course, he is the illustrator of some of the world's best-loved picture books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 17 million copies worldwide. Axel’s artwork is exhibited internationally; he has illustrated for many charities and designed the Royal Mail Christmas stamps in 2012. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London.