Axel Scheffler is a renowned German illustrator and animator based in London. Born on December 12, 1957, he is best known for his captivating, cartoon-like illustrations in children's books. His most famous works include The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, both penned by Julia Donaldson. Additionally, he has authored and illustrated the Pip and Posy series.

Scheffler was born in Hamburg, Germany. During his school years, he excelled in art, but it was not until he won a purple cow in a drawing competition that he considered a career in illustration. In 1982, he moved to England to enhance his English skills and study illustration at the Bath Academy of Art. Eventually, he made London his home.

In 1993, Axel's career took a significant turn when he was selected as the illustrator for Julia Donaldson’s first picture book text, A Squash and a Squeeze. This marked the beginning of a successful collaboration, resulting in their modern classic, The Gruffalo, which has sold over three-and-a-half million copies worldwide. The book's popularity led to a TV animation that aired on Christmas day in 2009.