Superworm
About
Superworm is a celebrated children's picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the beloved creative team behind The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. The story follows a super-long, super-strong worm who acts as a selfless superhero for insects and garden creatures, only to be captured by the villainous Wizard Lizard—with only his friends' ingenuity to save him. A perfect licensing property: it combines enduring emotional appeal (friendship and community), proven multi-format success (book, animated film, board books, lift-the-flap adaptations), and undiminished cultural reach—most recently featured on BBC CBeebies with Spider-Man star Tom Holland in 2026.
Highlights
Created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the award-winning duo behind The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and Stick Man
Heartfelt story of friendship, selflessness and teamwork with strong universal appeal to preschool and early-primary audiences
Original picture book first published 2012 and remains in strong retail circulation, with over 450,000 copies sold in UK alone
Adapted into acclaimed 2021 animated film directed by Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour, starring Olivia Colman and Matt Smith
Extended product range including board books, lift-the-flap adaptations, and slide-and-spin interactive formats released as recently as January 2026
Recent high-profile feature: Spider-Man actor Tom Holland read Superworm on BBC CBeebies Bedtime Stories in July 2026
Recent News
Jul 2026
Tom Holland reads Superworm on BBC CBeebies Bedtime Stories
Jan 2026
Superworm: Slide and Spin interactive format released by Donaldson and Scheffler
Dec 2023
Superworm confirmed as most borrowed book from Hertfordshire libraries
Dec 2021
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