THE Gruffalo’s Child was feeling brave – and has now stepped into her very own coin.

The Royal Mint has revealed it will mark the 20th anniversary of the children’s book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Sheffler, by issuing a 50p piece featuring the character.

Audiences met the Gruffalo’s Child in 2004, in the follow-up story to the worldwide sensation, The Gruffalo, which itself was commemorated with its own coin in 2019.

Struck at The Royal Mint’s headquarters in South Wales, the 50 pence piece features an original illustration of the brave Gruffalo’s Child, by Sheffler, in the wintery setting of the deep dark wood, alongside the quick-thinking little Mouse.

A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing the characters and story to life on the small canvas of a 50p in intricate detail.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The heartwarming tale of The Gruffalo’s Child has captivated readers since its release 20 years ago, and this year, the curious little monster finds a permanent home on a 50 pence piece.

“Brought to life by Royal Mint expert craftspeople, this coin captures the true essence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story in beautiful detail. We hope fans of the book admire the design as much as we do.”

The Gruffalo’s Child is a firm favourite in the world of children’s literature and has entertained families for decades. It has earned countless awards along the way, including the National Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year in 2005.

Donaldson, who counts the likes of Squash and a Squeeze and MMonkey Puzzle among her other children’s favourites, said: “It’s wonderful to see the Gruffalo’s Child follow in her father’s footsteps by featuring on her very own 50p coin.

“I’m so happy that she is being celebrated in this way and I hope that fans of the book will treasure this coin as a long-lasting memento of the 20th anniversary year.”

Scheffler, her long-term collaborator, added: “I feel very honoured to have yet another coin celebrating the Gruffalo, and now even his offspring.”

However, amateur coin collectors will be disappointed to learn the Gruffalo’s Child 50p will not be entering general circulation, instead only available through the Royal Mint.

But, from October 1, fans will be able to strike their very own Gruffalo’s Child 50p at The Royal Mint’s visitor attraction, the Royal Mint Experience, in Llantrisant, South Wales.