Axel Scheffler is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed illustrator of some of the most well-loved children’s books. His books have been published in many languages and his work has been exhibited all around the world. He is best known for his cartoon-like pictures for children's books, in particular The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, written by Julia Donaldson. He has also authored/illustrated the Pip and Posy series of books for children.
He worked for a variety of advertising companies, magazines and newspapers in both England and Germany. His big break into the world of children’s book illustration came when he was asked to illustrate A Squash and a Squeeze, Julia Donaldson’s first book. This was to be the start of a long and very successful partnership. They have collaborated on many books including The Gruffalo, a worldwide bestseller, which has sold over 13.5 million copies and been translated into 60 languages.
“As I'm not a writer or storyteller my inspiration comes from the text of an author. Usually the pictures come straight to my head when I read the story and put it to paper. Inspiration really comes from all the things I've seen and experienced in my life”