‘Goodbye, little mouse!’

Today we have revealed images of 10 Special Stamps depicting characters from The Gruffalo; the 1999 children’s best-selling picture book, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The modern classic was written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It has sold over 14.5m copies worldwide and been translated into more than 84 languages.

Six of the stamps are from the original tale, and follow Mouse’s progress through the deep dark wood, introducing the other characters one by one. Completing the set, an additional four stamps are presented in a Miniature Sheet.

Axel Scheffler was commissioned by Royal Mail to create unique, new illustrations for the stamps. The brand-new, full colour work shows off the Gruffalo and the other well-known characters (Owl, Snake, Fox and Mouse) in a composite artwork. The scene mirrors the main story; with Mouse looking on knowingly, as the other characters react in alarm to the Gruffalo.

The Gruffalo brand director for Magic Light, Daryl Shute, said ‘The Gruffalo’s anniversary has been marked with all sorts of celebrations this year. Now, in working with the Royal Mail to release a set of beautiful stamps, we feel that the much-loved Gruffalo has really been commemorated in this special year.

‘Additionally, to have a brand new piece of artwork illustrated by Axel Scheffler has made the partnership especially unique.’

The Gruffalo has won numerous awards; it was the UK's best-selling picture book of 2000, won the Blue Peter Best Book to Read Aloud award and was voted Best Bedtime Story in a BBC poll of 2009. It has been adapted into theatre productions with runs in the West End, Broadway and the Sydney Opera House. It has also been adapted into an Oscar nominated, animated film.

Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘We celebrate 20 years of The Gruffalo with these charming stamps, and are delighted that Axel has taken us back to the deep, dark wood with his new illustrations of the much-loved characters.’

A full set of all 10 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack (which includes a Gruffalo snakes and ladders game), retails at £12.20. The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/gruffalo and by phone on 03457 641 641.

The stamps will be available on general sale at 7,000 Post Offices across the UK from 10 October.