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Axel Scheffler

Axel Scheffler (born 12 December 1957) is a illustrator and animator based in , renowned for his warm, witty, and instantly recognizable style in children's picture books. Best known for his long-standing collaboration with author , Scheffler's illustrations have brought to life modern classics such as (1999) and (2001), with having sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Scheffler moved to the United Kingdom in 1982 to study illustration at the Bath Academy of Art. After graduating, he settled in London and began his freelance career, illustrating his first children's book, The Piemakers by Helen Cresswell, in 1988. Scheffler's breakthrough came in 1992 with his first partnership alongside Julia Donaldson on A Squash and a Squeeze, leading to a prolific collaboration that includes numerous books, such as The Gruffalo's Child (2004), Stick Man (2008), Zog (2010), and Jonty Gentoo (2024). His distinctive artwork, characterized by expressive characters, vibrant colors, and humorous details, has not only defined these stories but also extended to other projects, including novelty books like The Tickle Book (1999), poetry collections such as Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes (2005), and charitable initiatives, such as designing the 2012 Royal Mail Christmas stamps. Throughout his career, Scheffler has received numerous accolades for his contributions to children's literature. The Gruffalo won the 1999 Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (Gold Award) in the 0–5 years category, and in 2018, he was honored as Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards (Nibbies). In 2022, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by the German government for his cultural achievements. In 2025, he won the British Book Award for Children's Illustrated Book for Jonty Gentoo. He was named the top illustrator by sales value in 2023 and 2024. His works have been adapted into animated films, stage productions, and exhibitions, and he continues to create new titles while residing in London with his family.

Early life and education

Childhood in Hamburg

Axel Scheffler was born on December 12, 1957, in , . He grew up in a of as part of a typical middle-class during the , with his mother serving as a and his father running a peanut and snack factory; he was the middle child of three siblings. From an early age, Scheffler displayed a strong enjoyment of drawing, which became a prominent during his childhood. As a schoolboy, he entered a competition sponsored by an international chocolate company and won first prize—a cuddly lilac cow—which marked an early recognition of his artistic talent. Scheffler remained in throughout his school years, where art stood out as his strongest subject, though he had no specific plans for a career in at the time. This early passion for drawing would later influence his decision to pursue artistic studies after completing his education.

Move to and studies

After completing his secondary education in , Scheffler applied to in 1977 to train as an art teacher but was rejected; he then briefly studied at the , though he did not complete the degree, as he sought a path more aligned with his creative interests. In , he performed alternative , working with mentally ill individuals. During this time, his longstanding enjoyment of drawing, evident from childhood, began to shape his aspirations toward a career in . In 1982, at the age of 24, Scheffler relocated from Germany to England. He enrolled in the Visual Communications program at the Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, Wiltshire—now part of Bath Spa University—where he studied from 1982 to 1984. This period included an exchange program at the Cooper Union in New York, broadening his exposure to international artistic practices. It was during his studies at Bath Academy of Art that Scheffler had a pivotal realization about his professional direction, recognizing his strong affinity for illustration and deciding to pursue it as a vocation, with a particular focus on children's books. This decision marked a turning point, steering him away from other potential paths and toward freelance illustration upon graduation.

Professional career

Early works and entry into illustration

After graduating from the Bath Academy of Art in 1984, where he had studied Visual Communications, Axel Scheffler briefly returned to before relocating to in 1986 to establish himself as an . Settling in Hill, he immediately began working as a freelance , showcasing his portfolio to publishing houses, agencies, and editorial outlets in both and . This proactive approach quickly led to initial commissions in and , allowing him to build experience in the competitive creative industry during the . Scheffler's early freelance years involved typical challenges for newcomers, including assembling a compelling from his work and projects, and persistently approaching potential clients to secure consistent assignments in a market dominated by established illustrators. He later recalled that his formal provided limited practical guidance for breaking into the profession, mainly offering three years of dedicated drawing time and personal validation for pursuing as a viable path. By 1988, however, he had established a steady , benefiting from what he described as a "golden age" for illustrators in the late , when demand for fresh visual talent in magazines and books was high. A pivotal milestone in Scheffler's entry into children's book illustration occurred in 1988 with his debut project: providing the artwork for The Piemakers by Helen Cresswell, published by Faber & Faber. This commission, which reissued the novel with new illustrations, marked his first major foray into narrative book design and helped solidify his presence in the UK publishing scene, following his foundational freelance efforts in advertising and editorial work.

Collaboration with Julia Donaldson

Axel Scheffler and 's collaboration began in 1999 with the publication of by Macmillan Children's Books, marking their first joint project after an earlier, less extensive partnership on A Squash and a Squeeze in 1993. The rhyming tale of a clever mouse outwitting forest predators, including the mythical Gruffalo, achieved immediate acclaim for its witty narrative and vibrant illustrations, selling rapidly and earning the Gold Award in the 0–5 years category. This success established the duo as a powerhouse in , with alone becoming a global phenomenon translated into over 100 languages. The partnership flourished with a series of subsequent picture books, each blending Donaldson's rhythmic, accessible rhymes with Scheffler's dynamic visuals. Key titles include (2001), a story of a witch gathering unlikely friends; (2008), following a twig character's adventurous journey; Tabby McTat (2009), chronicling a busking cat's life; Zog (2010), about a dragon learning knightly skills; The Highway Rat (2011), featuring a rhyming bandit rodent; Tiddler (2017), an imaginative tale of a small fish's tall stories; and The Baddies (2022), a slapstick adventure with villainous characters, reissued in paperback in 2025. These works, spanning themes of friendship, mischief, and resilience, have captivated young readers through their repetitive structures ideal for read-aloud sessions. Scheffler's cartoonish, expressive style—characterized by bold colors, exaggerated features, and humorous details—complements Donaldson's bouncy rhymes, enhancing the books' theatrical quality and appeal for performance. Their creative process typically starts with Donaldson drafting the text, which Scheffler then illustrates independently, though mutual revisions occur via their shared editor; for instance, early sketches for were adjusted from more realistic and scary designs to a friendlier, whimsical aesthetic after feedback, while Donaldson's manuscripts often undergo minimal changes to preserve their flow. This iterative dynamic, honed over decades, allows each to influence the final product without direct co-authoring, resulting in seamless integration of word and image. In April 2025, Donaldson and Scheffler announced their first new story in over 20 years—since The Gruffalo's Child in 2004—titled an untitled set for release on September 10, 2026, by Macmillan Children's Books. The project revisits the deep dark wood and supports early initiatives through the Early Words Matter campaign, with proceeds aiding programs to boost vocabulary in young children. This milestone underscores the enduring legacy of their partnership. The commercial impact of their collaborations has been profound, with Donaldson-Scheffler books collectively selling over 50 million copies worldwide, including more than 18 million for the series alone across 107 countries. This success has elevated Scheffler's profile, transforming him from a freelance into one of the most recognized figures in children's .

Independent works and series

In addition to his renowned collaborations, Axel Scheffler has created and illustrated several independent series and standalone works, demonstrating his range across children's literature and beyond. One of his most prominent independent endeavors is the Pip and Posy series, launched in 2011, where Scheffler serves as both author and illustrator. This collection of 15 board books explores the everyday joys and challenges of toddler life, such as making friends, dealing with tantrums, and navigating playtime mishaps, through simple, relatable stories featuring the anthropomorphic friends Pip (a rabbit) and Posy (a mouse). The series has achieved significant commercial success, with over 7 million copies sold worldwide as of 2025 and translations into 26 languages by 2021. The series has been adapted into an animated TV show by Magic Light Pictures, airing on Sky Kids since 2021, with new seasonal specials announced for late 2025. Scheffler's Flip Flap series further showcases his innovative approach to for young readers. Beginning in the early , these lift-the-flap board books allow children to mix and match animal parts, creating with accompanying rhymes and sounds to encourage imaginative play and early literacy. A notable entry, Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Safari (2014), focuses on , enabling over 100 possible combinations like an "elephon" (elephant-lion ) to spark giggles and discussion. The series has expanded to include themes such as farm animals, dinosaurs, and creatures, emphasizing humor and through Scheffler's whimsical illustrations. Beyond children's books, Scheffler has applied his illustrative talents to classic literature and public commissions. In 2009, he provided vibrant, full-color illustrations for a new edition of T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, bringing the poetic feline characters—like the mischievous and the magical —to life with his signature expressive style, making the collection accessible to younger audiences. Earlier, in 2006, Scheffler designed the official Christmas card for then-Chancellor Gordon Brown's , featuring a festive scene of community celebration that highlighted his ability to convey warmth and inclusivity in non-literary formats. Scheffler's recent independent projects continue to reflect his commitment to themes of and adventure. In 2025, he illustrated Welcome: A Book About Friendship by Alison Green, a celebrating togetherness and support for newcomers, with proceeds benefiting the Three Peas; the story uses animal characters to explore and in a gentle, uplifting narrative.

Adaptations and animations

Scheffler's illustrations have been brought to life through various animated adaptations, primarily produced by the British studio in collaboration with the . The inaugural film, (2009), directed by Jakob Schuh and Max Lang, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the in 2011. Subsequent adaptations include (2012), (2015), and Zog (2018), all half-hour specials that faithfully capture the whimsical style of Scheffler's original artwork while appealing to family audiences worldwide. These works have extended into live stage productions, enhancing their interactive appeal for young viewers. Tall Stories' musical adaptation of , which premiered in 2001, has toured extensively, including multiple West End runs starting in the mid-2000s. Similarly, the stage version of , also by Tall Stories and debuting in 2008, has featured West End performances, such as its 2016 season, alongside international tours. In the digital realm, Scheffler's creations have ventured into , exemplified by the app Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Safari (2015), developed by Nosy Crow. This app, which allows users to mix animal features for humorous results, won the inaugural UKLA Digital Book Award, recognizing its educational and engaging format for preschoolers. The adaptations underscore the global reach of Scheffler's illustrated works, with books like translated into over 100 languages and dialects, enabling performances and screenings across , , Asia, and . As of 2025, ongoing tours, including in and and in , continue to draw diverse audiences.

Awards and recognition

Major awards

Axel Scheffler's illustrations have earned him several prestigious awards in , particularly for his collaborations with and his independent works. One of his earliest major accolades was the Gold Award in the 0-5 years category for in 1999, recognizing the book's innovative storytelling and distinctive visual style. In 2015, Scheffler's interactive digital adaptation Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Safari won the inaugural UKLA Digital Book Award, sponsored by the Literacy Association and BookTrust, highlighting his contributions to innovative for young readers. Scheffler received the (Nibbies) Illustrator of the Year in 2018, the first year the category was introduced, celebrating his overall impact on children's illustration through works like the Pip and Posy series and Donaldson collaborations. In recognition of commercial success, Scheffler was named the top illustrator by sales value in the UK through Nielsen BookScan's Total Consumer Market in 2023, marking the third consecutive year he held the position, driven by enduring titles such as and Zog. At the British Book Awards 2025, Scheffler shared in the Children's Book of the Year win with Julia Donaldson for their collaborative work, underscoring his ongoing influence in the field.

Honors and distinctions

In 2022, Axel Scheffler received the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) from the German government in recognition of his outstanding contributions to children's literature, with the award presented by the German Ambassador at the Embassy in London. Scheffler has also been selected to serve as a judge for prominent children's book awards, including the 2017 Klaus Flugge Prize, where he helped select the winner from a shortlist of debut illustrators' works. His international profile was highlighted at the in 2018 through his involvement in the "Drawing Europe Together" project, which featured his artwork alongside other European illustrators and was exhibited to promote cultural unity. More recently, in October 2025, Scheffler delivered the keynote address at the Frankfurt Kids Conference, discussing the role of children's books in addressing global challenges. Scheffler's broader cultural impact is evident in his prolific output, having illustrated more than 200 titles, with his works translated into over a hundred languages and achieving worldwide acclaim for fostering and among young readers. His collaborations, particularly with , have sold tens of millions of copies globally, underscoring his enduring influence on .

Personal life

Family

Scheffler maintains a long-term partnership with , a national. Together, they have a , Adélie (born c. 2007). The household is multilingual, with Scheffler conversing in with Adélie and Clementine using , reflecting a blend of cultural influences from their backgrounds. This family dynamic shapes Scheffler's personal outlook, providing a foundation of stability amid his self-described natural , while his role as a underscores the essential to his work in children's . He has expressed concerns for Adélie's generation regarding environmental challenges, yet emphasizes that creating for children requires an optimistic perspective to inspire young readers.

Residence and interests

Axel Scheffler has resided in Richmond, London, since the 1980s, establishing a home studio in southwest London for his illustration work. He shares the residence with his partner. Drawing remains a source of personal joy for Scheffler, whom he considers inseparable from his identity, as he cannot envision pursuing any other path. Although he identifies as naturally pessimistic—particularly about and the future facing younger generations—Scheffler maintains that producing children's books demands an underlying to inspire hope. In 2025, he engaged with the community through local events, including launches for his Welcome, which promotes themes of and . Scheffler's views on Brexit emerged in a 2018 acceptance speech at the , where he humorously linked the isolationist implications of the vote to his collaboration , quipping, "The book wasn't called No Room on the Broom," to underscore the value of openness and alliances. He often encourages aspiring young artists to persevere, advising them to follow their dreams without giving up.

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