Dame Julia has written more than 200 books and is best known for The Gruffalo – a story of a frightening woodland creature with terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws.
The first book was published in 1999 and a third instalment is due in September. “Receiving this honour has been a very happy surprise,” said Dame Julia.
She added she was grateful for the “enthusiastic support” she had received in her career.
The author of more than 70 books, including several novels aimed at young adults, Dame Malorie is similarly recognised for her contribution to the nation’s literature.
She is best known for the Noughts & Crosses series, which explores the divide between a black elite and a white underclass in a dystopian London.
Sir Peter and Sir David founded Aardman Animations in 1972 after meeting at school.
Their studio produced the first Wallace & Gromit short film, A Grand Day Out, in 1989 and since then have enjoyed critical acclaim with other animated series including Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep.
“We both feel it is an extraordinary privilege and an honour – as well as a complete and utter surprise – to be recognised in this way,” the duo said in a statement.
Others working in the arts to be recognised include Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels actor Dexter Fletcher, who is made an OBE, while former Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi becomes an MBE for service to music and charity.
The dance music DJ Judge Jules receives the same honour for services to music, entertainment law and young people.
David Holmes, a stuntman who became permanently paralysed from the chest downwards while working on a Harry Potter film, is made an MBE for his charitable work as well as services to film and media.
The film score composer Patrick Doyle, whose work ranges from Henry V to Thor, and opera conductor Anthony Negus are both made CBEs.
