Axel Scheffler
Axel Scheffler was born in Hamburg, Germany. In the 1980s Axel came over to study Illustration at Bath Academy of Art, where he spent much of his time drawing sheep and peacocks in the grounds of Corsham Court. Axel moved to London where he began work on illustrations for English and German magazines, newspapers and children’s books. In the early 90s he began his picture book partnership with Julia Donaldson. The duo became picture book superstars with titles including The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat and Zog – all of which have been made into award-winning animated films by Magic Light Pictures. The most recent film was The Snail and the Whale which premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2019. Zog and the Flying Doctors is the latest film from Magic Light Pictures due on BBC One at Christmas 2020. Julia and Axel’s latest book, The Smeds and the Smoos, was the bestselling picture book of 2019 and awarded the 2020 British Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year (Illustrated and Non fiction). Axel’s artwork is exhibited internationally. He supports many charities, including Three Peas, which provides vital support for refugees and receives a £1 donation from every sale of his most recent book, Kind. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London.
