Donaldson said: "I've always had a soft spot for the four Acorn Wood flap books. I remember when I was writing them I became so obsessed with flaps that I couldn't see anything else—it was all oven doors, cupboards, picnic baskets and loo seats (though I didn't actually include one of those in any of the books). I love Axel's pictures of Fox, Bear, Rabbit and Pig, who all wear clothes, unlike the characters in The Gruffalo (Axel was insistent on that!). My grandchildren all really like Acorn Wood too, and I think perhaps it was reading the books to them that gave me the idea of creating a second set. This time the protagonists are Squirrel, Mole, Cat and Badger, but the original characters do put in cameo appearances. I can't wait for Axel to get started and to see what he comes up with." The books, featuring new lead characters and published in 2021 and 2022, are the pair‚Äôs first new stories on the Macmillan Children‚Äôs list since 2005's Charlie Cook‚Äôs Favourite Book. Scheffler said: "After 20 years I'm so happy to be returning to the charming world of Acorn Wood with these new characters and stories. Working with Julia‚Äôs text allows for me to add another dimension to the stories with my illustrations, and with these being lift-the-flap books they‚Äôre perfect for hiding details which I really enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces you might already know!" Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are returning to the Tales From Acorn Wood preschool series with four new lift-the-flap instalments for Macmillan Children‚Äôs Books.

Cat’s Cookbook will publish in May 2021, with Squirrel’s Snowman following in October 2021, Mole’s Spectacles in February 2022, and Badger’s Band in May 2022. Publishing director Hannah Ray acquired world and audio rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency for Donaldson, and direct from Scheffler.

Animal books kids aged for 3 - 5 years old