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Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit
Yes. I’m a dog. And you’re reading a book written by a dog.
Which of us is the odder? I guess we’ll just have to get used to it.
Now, this is supposed to be Wallace’s story. And maybe, at some point, he’ll finish building the machine he was going to write this book with. Currently he’s stood on top of the dining table and wondering why he fitted a typewriter with wheels and a flame-thrower (we made an agreement for new inventions – there’s even a list on the fridge, and 'No Flame-Throwers' is at Number 3).
Until then, this is my story. The tale of what goes on behind my eyes. And I really do know where all the bones are buried. So. I guess it’s time I spoke.
Which of us is the odder? I guess we’ll just have to get used to it.
Now, this is supposed to be Wallace’s story. And maybe, at some point, he’ll finish building the machine he was going to write this book with. Currently he’s stood on top of the dining table and wondering why he fitted a typewriter with wheels and a flame-thrower (we made an agreement for new inventions – there’s even a list on the fridge, and 'No Flame-Throwers' is at Number 3).
Until then, this is my story. The tale of what goes on behind my eyes. And I really do know where all the bones are buried. So. I guess it’s time I spoke.
271 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2026
About the author
Nick Park
46 books13 followersNicholas Wulstan Park, CBE, RDI (born 6 December 1958), is an English animator, director and writer best known as the creator of Wallace and Gromit, Creature Comforts, and Shaun the Sheep. Park has been nominated for an Academy Award a total of six times and won four with Creature Comforts (1989), The Wrong Trousers (1993), A Close Shave (1995) and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005).
He has also received five BAFTA Awards, including the BAFTA for Best Short Animation for A Matter of Loaf and Death, which was also the most watched television programme in the United Kingdom in 2008. His 2000 film Chicken Run is the highest-grossing stop motion animated film.
For his work in animation, in 2012, Park was among the British cultural icons selected by artist Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of Blake's most famous artwork—the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover—to celebrate the British cultural figures of his life.
He has also received five BAFTA Awards, including the BAFTA for Best Short Animation for A Matter of Loaf and Death, which was also the most watched television programme in the United Kingdom in 2008. His 2000 film Chicken Run is the highest-grossing stop motion animated film.
For his work in animation, in 2012, Park was among the British cultural icons selected by artist Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of Blake's most famous artwork—the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover—to celebrate the British cultural figures of his life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 3, 2026
ABSOLUTELY, DOGGEDLY DELIGHTFUL, FUNNY AND HEARTWARMING!! 💖
And Martin Freeman as narrator was a choice of genius. Audiobook version highly recommended. 😊
And Martin Freeman as narrator was a choice of genius. Audiobook version highly recommended. 😊
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The scream I scrumpt when I saw I was approved for this. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!!
I like Wallace and Gromit so much. If you are of a similar persuasion you will like this without a doubt. I will say that it is more of a 9/10 than a perfect score, and that I think any readers who have not seen all 6 shorts/films should go watch those before reading since the book sure assumes you have.
Structurally, the book follows a look into W&G's domestic life, then recounts a film, then gets back to the book's own narrative and repeats this cycle. Seeing everything from Gromit's eyes is really fun, but this does naturally end up doing a lot of straight retelling, especially for the already very Gromit focused Wrong Trousers and Wererabbit. Gromit's way of writing is eloquent and sharply funny, so this is never a major concern, but there were times I wanted to get back to the B plot that keeps running through the book. Baker's dozen's section was a definite highlight, though!
In usual W&G fashion, it is extremely funny, with the trademark visual humour still present via puns and wordplay. If you laugh at Gromit's books having doggy pun names this will work great for you. If you don't care for this sort of thing it might be more of a slog.
The best thing this book offers is how much love we see from Gromit, his views on what a dog and his favourite person mean to each other, and what animals and humans can do for each other more generally. This made me want to go hug my cat a lot. Gromit cares about Wallace so much!! It is lovely!! There is something wonderful about just seeing really mundane things like Gromit picking up groceries or Wallace mulling over catalogues between inventing too.
All in all, if you want an excuse to hang out with your favourite lumps of clay between films, this will scratch the itch and more. If you aren't much of a fan, this won't change your mind, and probably wont make a lot of sense since it is so clearly written for diehards. This would also be a really fun gift even for people who read less often since it is very approachable.
I like Wallace and Gromit so much. If you are of a similar persuasion you will like this without a doubt. I will say that it is more of a 9/10 than a perfect score, and that I think any readers who have not seen all 6 shorts/films should go watch those before reading since the book sure assumes you have.
Structurally, the book follows a look into W&G's domestic life, then recounts a film, then gets back to the book's own narrative and repeats this cycle. Seeing everything from Gromit's eyes is really fun, but this does naturally end up doing a lot of straight retelling, especially for the already very Gromit focused Wrong Trousers and Wererabbit. Gromit's way of writing is eloquent and sharply funny, so this is never a major concern, but there were times I wanted to get back to the B plot that keeps running through the book. Baker's dozen's section was a definite highlight, though!
In usual W&G fashion, it is extremely funny, with the trademark visual humour still present via puns and wordplay. If you laugh at Gromit's books having doggy pun names this will work great for you. If you don't care for this sort of thing it might be more of a slog.
The best thing this book offers is how much love we see from Gromit, his views on what a dog and his favourite person mean to each other, and what animals and humans can do for each other more generally. This made me want to go hug my cat a lot. Gromit cares about Wallace so much!! It is lovely!! There is something wonderful about just seeing really mundane things like Gromit picking up groceries or Wallace mulling over catalogues between inventing too.
All in all, if you want an excuse to hang out with your favourite lumps of clay between films, this will scratch the itch and more. If you aren't much of a fan, this won't change your mind, and probably wont make a lot of sense since it is so clearly written for diehards. This would also be a really fun gift even for people who read less often since it is very approachable.
Review of advance copy
22/10/2026
5 ⭐
Wallace and Gromit need marriage counselling, and I need to reread this already. This was such a treat, and Martin Freeman does a fantastic job narrating Gromit's thoughts and doing the voices for all of our favourite characters!
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5 ⭐
Wallace and Gromit need marriage counselling, and I need to reread this already. This was such a treat, and Martin Freeman does a fantastic job narrating Gromit's thoughts and doing the voices for all of our favourite characters!
Book Blog | Letterboxd | Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph | Hoemance Book Club | Graphicsathon | Scoobathon | Vinted
Review of advance copy
Howling with laughter from minute 1.
A grand retelling of all of the inventor duos adventures, from the point of view of our favourite pooch. With additional story elements and a fun new side plot that feeds through the entire narrative and lands brilliantly with a fun twist.
A great quick read for fans of the best British duo and their escapades. I loved every pun and wit, spun excellently with the soothing voice of Martin Freeman.
A grand retelling of all of the inventor duos adventures, from the point of view of our favourite pooch. With additional story elements and a fun new side plot that feeds through the entire narrative and lands brilliantly with a fun twist.
A great quick read for fans of the best British duo and their escapades. I loved every pun and wit, spun excellently with the soothing voice of Martin Freeman.
November 5, 2026
Oh the goodness!
Read
October 26, 2026I really will read just anything, never even watched this cartoon 😅
October 31, 2026
Fun, chaotic and sincere just like the show it's based on.
Review of advance copy
The first few chapters I thought were written specifically because it sounds so much like Martin Freeman. But it got better as it went on. Think it was the right decision to make a storyline which connected all their episodes together. The puns were fantastic and I enjoyed reminiscing on all their shenanigans. Will definitely read again.
October 28, 2026
"As an aside, I do not understand schools; maybe it is because dogs learn things differently. We get a few brief practical courses in the four S’s—sights, smells, sounds, and squirrels—from our mothers and are then left to figure the rest of the world out for ourselves. If you see a bird you’ve never met before, you can chase it, or you can read a book about birds. It’s that simple. We do not sit in rooms being told things we will never need to think of again. We just see something, and then work out what we’re going to do with it."
After years of remaining silent in the beloved Wallace and Gromit animations, the clever canine Gromit is finally telling his own story.
In Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit, the world's most articulate non-verbal dog is stepping out from Wallace's shadow to share his perspective. Creator Nick Park promises a delightful dive into the duo's adventures, touching on everything from the mechanical woes of the Techno Trousers to the unforgettable flavor of moon cheese.
While we are used to seeing Gromit communicate through expressive eyebrow raises and clever gadgets, this memoir offers a wonderful chance to hear his "fur-vent passions" directly (or as directly as paw-to-keyboard allows!). Beyond the cinematic highlights, the book promises a look at Gromit's quieter talents—his knitting, baking, and award-winning gardening.
For the audiobook edition, actor Martin Freeman brings a brilliant touch to the project. Rather than attempting a cartoonish bark or a literal dog "voice," Freeman lends his trademark dry wit and thoughtfulness to narrate Gromit's inner thoughts, capturing the character's personality perfectly.
For longtime fans of Aardman's stop-motion masterpieces, this is shaping up to be a must-read celebration of British animation history. It's safe to say Gromit has more than earned his spot as a literary author—and as the publisher's biography reminds us, he just wants everyone to know he's a very good dog.
After years of remaining silent in the beloved Wallace and Gromit animations, the clever canine Gromit is finally telling his own story.
In Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit, the world's most articulate non-verbal dog is stepping out from Wallace's shadow to share his perspective. Creator Nick Park promises a delightful dive into the duo's adventures, touching on everything from the mechanical woes of the Techno Trousers to the unforgettable flavor of moon cheese.
While we are used to seeing Gromit communicate through expressive eyebrow raises and clever gadgets, this memoir offers a wonderful chance to hear his "fur-vent passions" directly (or as directly as paw-to-keyboard allows!). Beyond the cinematic highlights, the book promises a look at Gromit's quieter talents—his knitting, baking, and award-winning gardening.
For the audiobook edition, actor Martin Freeman brings a brilliant touch to the project. Rather than attempting a cartoonish bark or a literal dog "voice," Freeman lends his trademark dry wit and thoughtfulness to narrate Gromit's inner thoughts, capturing the character's personality perfectly.
For longtime fans of Aardman's stop-motion masterpieces, this is shaping up to be a must-read celebration of British animation history. It's safe to say Gromit has more than earned his spot as a literary author—and as the publisher's biography reminds us, he just wants everyone to know he's a very good dog.
November 7, 2026
I have adored Wallace and Gromit growing up and so when I saw that Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit was coming up it went straight to the top of my TBR pile and I adored every second, it is a wonderfully entertaining and heartfelt book that captures the quiet brilliance of one of Britain’s most beloved characters. Told with warmth, humour and plenty of personality, it offers a delightful glimpse into Gromit’s world, his adventures and his enduring friendship with Wallace.
What makes the book so special is its charm. Gromit may not say much, but his expressions, loyalty and resourcefulness speak volumes, and this autobiography brings all those qualities brilliantly to life. It is funny without trying too hard, touching without becoming sentimental, and filled with the sort of clever details that will appeal to both lifelong fans and newcomers alike.
The book’s greatest strength is its heart. Beneath the comedy and eccentric escapades is a touching story about friendship, courage and always being there for the people — or dogs — who matter most. Gromit’s understated character provides the perfect contrast to Wallace’s enthusiastic inventions, creating a partnership that remains as entertaining and endearing as ever.
Warm, inventive and thoroughly enjoyable, Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit is a real treat. It is the kind of book that leaves you smiling, brings back fond memories and makes you appreciate once again why Gromit is such an iconic character. A joy from beginning to end, and an easy five-star recommendation.
What makes the book so special is its charm. Gromit may not say much, but his expressions, loyalty and resourcefulness speak volumes, and this autobiography brings all those qualities brilliantly to life. It is funny without trying too hard, touching without becoming sentimental, and filled with the sort of clever details that will appeal to both lifelong fans and newcomers alike.
The book’s greatest strength is its heart. Beneath the comedy and eccentric escapades is a touching story about friendship, courage and always being there for the people — or dogs — who matter most. Gromit’s understated character provides the perfect contrast to Wallace’s enthusiastic inventions, creating a partnership that remains as entertaining and endearing as ever.
Warm, inventive and thoroughly enjoyable, Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit is a real treat. It is the kind of book that leaves you smiling, brings back fond memories and makes you appreciate once again why Gromit is such an iconic character. A joy from beginning to end, and an easy five-star recommendation.
October 29, 2026
A Cracking Good Read: As a lifelong fan of Wallace & Gromit, hearing that Nick Park was helping our favorite silent canine put paw to keyboard had me instantly sold—and I’m happy to say this book is gouda to the very last page! It is a sweet, witty, and thoroughly charming peek inside the mind of the world’s most long-suffering, well-read dog.
More Than Just a Retelling: What I loved most is that while it revisits iconic moments from the films, it also serves up a whole new narrative to chew on. It doesn't just rest on its laurels; it expands the world with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and clever wordplay. Sure, the ending feels a tad abrupt—as if Wallace accidentally flipped the Wrong Trousers switch mid-chapter—but the journey is so sharp that you barely mind the sudden stop.
The Verdict: Un-brie-lievably fun. Gromit proves he’s not just a good boy, but a mature, cultured storyteller with a razor-sharp wit. A must-read for fans of all ages—I’d happily devour an entire shelf of books set in this universe!
More Than Just a Retelling: What I loved most is that while it revisits iconic moments from the films, it also serves up a whole new narrative to chew on. It doesn't just rest on its laurels; it expands the world with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and clever wordplay. Sure, the ending feels a tad abrupt—as if Wallace accidentally flipped the Wrong Trousers switch mid-chapter—but the journey is so sharp that you barely mind the sudden stop.
The Verdict: Un-brie-lievably fun. Gromit proves he’s not just a good boy, but a mature, cultured storyteller with a razor-sharp wit. A must-read for fans of all ages—I’d happily devour an entire shelf of books set in this universe!
October 29, 2026
"Whatever it was, it was no match for enjoying a fresh brew in front of the fire with my best friend. That's the only treasure I want in life."
Absolutely loved this, listened to the audiobook version narrated by Martin Freeman, which really added to the experience with the voices and sound effects! (editor typing, dog barks, the theme song!).
The book recounts many of the stories we know and love through the films/shorts, but has its own storyline/plot/mystery throughout, and an undercurrent of championing political justice and the saving of libraries!
"The world is full of [..] people who just get their way and make the world a less nice place while they're doing it. You can't stop them. But you can make their lives a little harder."
Really enjoyed this, and another format to enjoy Wallace & Gromit (always nostalgic!)
Absolutely loved this, listened to the audiobook version narrated by Martin Freeman, which really added to the experience with the voices and sound effects! (editor typing, dog barks, the theme song!).
The book recounts many of the stories we know and love through the films/shorts, but has its own storyline/plot/mystery throughout, and an undercurrent of championing political justice and the saving of libraries!
"The world is full of [..] people who just get their way and make the world a less nice place while they're doing it. You can't stop them. But you can make their lives a little harder."
Really enjoyed this, and another format to enjoy Wallace & Gromit (always nostalgic!)
November 2, 2026
This was a really fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting all the adventures of Wallace and Gromit. When I first heard about the concept, I was a little unsure about who could possibly fill Gromit’s shoes, particularly when it came to capturing his personality without losing what makes the character so iconic. I'm glad to say Martin Freeman did an excellent job. He managed to capture Gromit's humour and mannerisms in a way that felt genuine and respectful to the original character.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and a lovely celebration of a character and series I've always enjoyed. A great bit of nostalgia!
4.5/5
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and a lovely celebration of a character and series I've always enjoyed. A great bit of nostalgia!
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
This was a very fun and quick read! Just as promised, this book has a lot of puns and world play and of course the Wallace and Gromit shenanigans. I did feel at times that this was oddly paced, often getting through the actions of the book too slowly while elaborating a lot on other parts. I did however enjoy Gromit's perspective on everything. Overall a really easy, fast paced, and light hearted book!
This was a very fun and quick read! Just as promised, this book has a lot of puns and world play and of course the Wallace and Gromit shenanigans. I did feel at times that this was oddly paced, often getting through the actions of the book too slowly while elaborating a lot on other parts. I did however enjoy Gromit's perspective on everything. Overall a really easy, fast paced, and light hearted book!
October 31, 2026
The book we didn't know we needed! If like me you adore the Wallace & Gromit films, then this is the book for you.
Running through all the stories but from Gromit's perspective, and adding new dimension to the iconic hound. It's funny, heartwarming and very whimsical.
I was not emotionally prepared for the Afterword, especially after reading about a dog and their persons adventures, when I'm missing adventures with my girl, but it was the perfect way to end.
Running through all the stories but from Gromit's perspective, and adding new dimension to the iconic hound. It's funny, heartwarming and very whimsical.
I was not emotionally prepared for the Afterword, especially after reading about a dog and their persons adventures, when I'm missing adventures with my girl, but it was the perfect way to end.
Review of advance copy
Well what an absolute pleasure of a read. it took me right back to my childhood, revisiting past adventures and colourful characters, it was lovely hearing from Gromits point of view, and the dog and cheese puns were on point! But oh my gosh that last chapter! My eyes may have leaked.
This is a must read for all Wallace and Gromit fans! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a must read for all Wallace and Gromit fans! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 24, 2026
Reviewing for Empire, but also can say that this is horrendously bad. I love Aardman. Love Nick Park. Love Gromit (not as much as Feathers McGraw, but I love him all the same.) But when it comes to Gromit the old adage is proven very true: silence is golden. The second words are put in his mouth, the whole thing just falls apart. And this is that, for hundreds of pages…
Review of advance copy
Accessed through Audible. I debated getting a hard copy and reading it myself but when I found out Martin Freeman was the voice, I had to listen.
This book reads exactly like you are watching one of their many movies and Martin Freeman is a perfect choice for Gromit. If you are a fan of Wallace and Gromit, this book will gives you waves of excitement and nostalgia.
This book reads exactly like you are watching one of their many movies and Martin Freeman is a perfect choice for Gromit. If you are a fan of Wallace and Gromit, this book will gives you waves of excitement and nostalgia.
October 29, 2026
I LOVED this.
I'm a huge fan of Wallace and Gromit. I've loved this series for over 20 years and to hear it via audiobook was just another delightful form. This book is an 'autobiography' of Gromit's life. It covers all of the other stories which you'll have seen via TV/film but I also loved the other mysteries and the underlying plot.
5*.
I'm a huge fan of Wallace and Gromit. I've loved this series for over 20 years and to hear it via audiobook was just another delightful form. This book is an 'autobiography' of Gromit's life. It covers all of the other stories which you'll have seen via TV/film but I also loved the other mysteries and the underlying plot.
5*.
October 28, 2026
proper good. funny & clever. gromit must be one of the most loveable characters in history. this is a lovely read that made me even more of a wallace hater, this man never deserved gromit a day in his life but alas, this dog loves him
October 28, 2026
Anything Wallace and Gromit is filled with wit, comedic genius and plethora of pun. Fans would appreciate the nod to the short films whilst providing Gromit’s back story. I was impressed by the mystery within the autobiography and so couldn’t put it down!
October 31, 2026
Truly written for the fans! It was great to see a different side of the story for each of the films, and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook.
You have to have a good knowledge of the films to understand this book, as lots of details are very quickly passed over - which was fine for me but if you haven’t watched first would probably leave you scratching your head.
Great puns, loved the additional story running throughout. As a fan, I am very happy to have this addition to the story.
You have to have a good knowledge of the films to understand this book, as lots of details are very quickly passed over - which was fine for me but if you haven’t watched first would probably leave you scratching your head.
Great puns, loved the additional story running throughout. As a fan, I am very happy to have this addition to the story.
November 6, 2026
I was excited when I heard this was being released. I'm glad I got the audiobook when it came out. I've loved it. It's full of jokes and witty humour. I've loved seeing things from Gromits perspective.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3.5 stars.
Lots of giggles!!
Lots of giggles!!
October 27, 2026
Loved reading this. Being one of Gromits number 1 fans, my bookshelf would not be complete without a copy 🐶
October 28, 2026
Cracking read!!!
Reads as a Wallace and Gromit film watches. Full of brilliant puns, Britishisms, cheese, and even a plot twist or two. Essential reading for Wallace and Gromit fans.
Reads as a Wallace and Gromit film watches. Full of brilliant puns, Britishisms, cheese, and even a plot twist or two. Essential reading for Wallace and Gromit fans.
October 31, 2026
This is was so fun and nostalgic. I loved getting into Gromits head for once and having the tale filled in around each movie.
November 2, 2026
Nostalgic while also feeling new! Loved hearing Gromit’s perspective, and Martin Freeman did a great job being his voice. What a good dog 💕
November 4, 2026
10/10 no notes. Feathers McGraw autobiography better be next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews