"The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is a beloved children's picture book that tells the story of a clever mouse who outsmarts various predators by inventing tales of a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo. When the imaginary beast turns out to be real, the mouse's quick thinking saves the day. With its rhythmic text and captivating illustrations, it's a delightful read for young audiences.