Axel Scheffler

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5 stars across 499 books

Axel Scheffler Biography

Axel Scheffler is an acclaimed illustrator, animator and more recently author of children's books. He was born in Hamburg in 1957 and moved to England in 1982 in order to study illustration at the Bath Academy of Art. He then 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.

In recent years Scheffler has turned his hand to writing as well as illustrating, creating the adorable characters of Pip and Posy, a mouse and a rabbit, in a series of books aimed at toddlers. He is also the author of The Pocket Library series, a set of rhyming books about animals, again aimed at toddlers, and the Flip Flap book series that includes Flip Flap Farm.

Scheffler has also illustrated for many other writers including Phillip Ardagh, author of the series of books about the Grunts, and Ian Whybrow, author of The Bedtime Bear.

Axel Scheffler Facts

- In a number of the books that Axel Scheffler has illustrated for Julia Donaldson there is a small sketch of a Gruffalo, you have to look very carefully to find them!

- When Scheffler sends illustrations to Julia Donaldson in the post he decorates the envelopes with doodles.

- Axel Scheffler designed Christmas cards for Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister in 2006

- In 2012 Scheffler was approached by the Royal Mail to design a series of 5 Christmas stamps.

- Like many artists Scheffler is very critical of his own work, he admits that he had a hard time drawing The Gruffalo, and didn’t enjoy drawing him at all.

Our Favourite Axel Scheffler Book Characters

The Mouse in Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo
Mr. Grunt in Philip Ardagh’s The Grunts in Trouble
Master Criminal Macavity in T. S Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats
Pip and Posy in Axel Scheffler’s Pip and Posy books

Additional Resources

Top tips for budding illustrators

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Publication Date

Series

The Gruffalo

21st April 2016

The Gruffalo

The nation's favourite bedtime story! Walk into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse ... MoreThe Gruffalo

(393 reviews) Review

Room on the Broom

1st September 2002

Room on the Broom

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away ... MoreRoom on the Broom

(391 reviews) Review

The Smartest Giant in Town

5th September 2003

The Smartest Giant in Town

George wished he wasn't the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decid... MoreThe Smartest Giant in Town

(245 reviews) Review

Stick Man

7th September 2009

Stick Man

'Stick Man lives in the family tree With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three'. But it's dangerous being a... MoreStick Man

(170 reviews) Review

The Gruffalo's Child

21st April 2016

The Gruffalo's Child

Join the Gruffalo's Child for a BIG adventure in this clever rhyming sequel to much-loved modern classic, The Gruffalo, ... MoreThe Gruffalo's Child

(164 reviews) Review

The Snail and the Whale

21st April 2016

The Snail and the Whale

A rhyming story about adventure and friendship, The Snail and the Whale is a bestselling classic by the unparalleled pic... MoreThe Snail and the Whale

(153 reviews) Review

Superworm

6th September 2012

Superworm

Meet the wiggliest, squiggliest superhero in the world in the funny picture book by the number one bests... MoreSuperworm

(152 reviews) Review

A Squash and a Squeeze

4th June 2004

A Squash and a Squeeze

''Wise old man, won't you help me, please? My house is a squash and squeeze.'' What can you do if your house is... MoreA Squash and a Squeeze

(139 reviews) Review

Tales From Acorn Wood: Fox's Socks

1st January 2011

Tales From Acorn Wood: Fox's Socks

"Poor old fox has lost his socks. He looks in a chest and finds a vest." Can you help fox find his socks? Are they in th... MoreTales From Acorn Wood: Fox's Socks

(137 reviews) Review

Monkey Puzzle

21st April 2016

Monkey Puzzle

A funny, rhyming story packed full of favourite jungle animals, Monkey Puzzle is a bestselling classic from the unparall... MoreMonkey Puzzle

(116 reviews) Review

Show More Books

New Book

My First Gruffalo: Hello Gruffalo! Buggy Book

28th May 2026

(0 reviews)

Coming Soon

Zog (15th Anniversary Edition)

Hardback

1st June 2026

Recent Reviews

The Gruffalo's Child

by Georgia.arly

I liked this book just as much as the first book and my child recognised the gruffalo character and enjoyed the first book, so she loved this one! The...
Monkey Puzzle

by Georgia.arly

My child loves the colours in this book and gets very excited when reading it. I like the way the words flow together and the rhymes are great. I thou...
The Smartest Giant in Town

by EquestrianAmy

Such a classic with beautiful illustrates. Classic book to enhance your little ones reading ability....