Scheffler, Axel: - Axel Scheffler was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1957. He studied history of art in Hamburg, before moving to the United Kingdom to study illustration at Bath Academy of Art in 1982. Since then he has worked as a freelance illustrator in London. He is best known for the children's books he has illustrated through his partnership with author, Julia Donaldson. Together they created The Gruffalo, which has sold over 17 million copies, in 105 countries throughout the world. He lives in London.