A Squash and a Squeeze
Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler
A brilliantly funny rhyming story full of favourite farm animals, A Squash and a Squeeze is the first ever picture book written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.
A little old lady is fed up with how small her house feels. Whatever can she do? The wise old man knows: bring in a noisy crowd of farmyard animals. When she pushes them all out again, she’ll be amazed at how big her house feels!
This classic story is a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson and Scheffler fans – big and small!
‘My readers collapsed in heaps, and then had to have it read again. And again’ – Vivian French, Guardian
Look out for Gruffalo Granny, the brand new Gruffalo picture book adventure – coming on 10th September 2026!
Discover more picture books from Julia and Axel: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Room on the Broom.
Reviews
Funny
Doctor Pug Rubber-duck 26.08.2025
It was very funny, I liked the bit where the pig sits in the larder. The storyline is very funny and her house felt huge at the end. I would recommend
Captain Cornetto Bubble-wrap 18.08.2025
I liked the old lady. Everybody should read it.
Marshal Bijou Sausage-Roll 22.07.2025
Lovely rhyming
Baroness Beryl Banana 20.07.2025
I didn’t enjoy the story.
Superintendent Hank Aardvark 17.07.2025
I like this book because it makes you think about just being happy with what you have and I like the cow dancing on the table- it made me laugh.
Countess Cupcake Custard 15.07.2025
She has her animals in her house, she's silly
Baroness Blossom Borneo 31.08.2024
Funny when the goat ate the table cloth and the leg A good fun book of how much you have if you take notice
Empress Beany Possum 22.08.2024
One of our favourites
Mademoiselle Iggy Squirrel 08.08.2024
I thought it was funny
Inspector Crocodile Tinkle 05.08.2024
My favourite part was when the cow danced on the table.
Chief Pirate Squirrel 21.07.2024
It’s funny because she has to put all the animals inside the house and it’s all messy.
Judge Catapult Bottlenose 20.07.2024
I enjoyed the goat in this book, it came after the hen
General Catapult Biscuits 10.07.2024
i thout this book was maveles
Anonymous 03.06.2024
This book was really funny and a life lesson that: when you say you don't have any room in your house, you are kinda wrong because you have more than enough space than you think so enjoy and have fun!
Marshal Lacey Eggybread 06.01.2024
I liked when the old lady shoved all the animals out of the house.
Mademoiselle Boadicea Menace 03.01.2024
I like when the old woman shoved everyone out at the end.
Anonymous 03.01.2024
Brilliant but simple to follow story line. My youngest loves this book and we read it often. Love the rhyming of the book. Highly recommend this book
Anonymous 02.01.2024
This book was really interesting, my favourite character was the goat because he was chewing the curtains and nibbling the table chair and that was funny. I would recommend it to people/ children who feel like their house is small. Thanks!
Queen Jewel Peninsula 27.12.2023
i liked it when all the animals came in because the lady was suck with all the animals
Inspector Grip Bobble-hat 10.12.2023
