Superworm (book)

Julia Donaldson is a British writer and playwright from Hampstead, London, England, born on 16 September with her younger sister.^[6] She is known for writing books such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Zog, and The Gruffalo's Child.^[7] She attended the University of Bristol, studying drama and French, she graduated with a 2:1 honours degree. She was married to Malcolm Donaldson until his death in 2024.^[8]

Axel Scheffler is a German illustrator and animator born in Hamburg, West Germany. He is known for working alongside Donaldson in many works.^[9] Scheffler attended Bath Academy of Art, studying the history of art, he later dropped out. Scheffler worked in advertising and publishing.

A super-long, super-strong worm referred to as "Superworm" acts as a superhero, helping local insects and animals. He rescues a toad from a road and helps beetles by acting as a skipping rope and helps other animals when they need him. Superworm gets captured by a "Wicked Wizard Lizard" and is forced to dig for treasures. Other animals work together to save Superworm. Using their own abilities, they take down the wizard and his plans and successfully save Superworm. Once back home, they celebrate the victory and their friendship.

In December of 2021 Donaldson revealed that during the writing of the book, a line was cut after an awkward conversation with her publisher, Alison Green, about the line that read, “Superworm is long and pink, Superworm can grow and shrink.”, the line was replaced with "Superworm is super-long, Superworm is super-strong.”^[10]

In 2021 Superworm received its own 25-minute short film created by Magic Light Pictures based on the book, which was distributed by the BBC.^[11][12] In December 2021, the Radio Times released a Superworm Christmas-themed puzzle and activity book in celebration of Christmas.^[13] In 2022 a Superworm-themed trail was launched at the Whinlatter Forest Park.^[14][15] In 2021 Donaldson and Scheffler released a new adaptation called Let's Find Superworm: A Lift-the-Flap Book.^[16] In January 2026, Donalson and Scheffler released Superworm: Slide and Spin.^[17]

Superworm (2012), Alison Green Books^[20]

• Stick Man – 2008 children's book by Julia Donaldson

• Gruffalo Granny – Upcoming children's book by Julia Donaldson