Axel Scheffler

Axel Scheffler was born in Hamburg, Germany. Although he was good at painting, he had never imagined a career in illustration until he won a purple plush cow in a drawing competition. In 1982, he moved to England to learn English and study illustration. He has illustrated many books, and in 1993 began his collaboration with the famous children's author Julia Donaldson. Their book "The Gruffalo" became a worldwide success and was adapted into an animated television film in 2009. His books have been translated into 42 languages. He lives in London and has a young daughter.