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Gruffalo Artist: Global Fame Still Feels Unreal
21 Oct
Summary
- Illustrator Axel Scheffler finds global success with The Gruffalo unbelievable.
- Scheffler sketched the iconic Gruffalo, blending buffalo features with a less frightening look.
- He emphasizes books' importance amid rising screen time for children.
Illustrator Axel Scheffler, renowned for his work on The Gruffalo, admits the books' global success still feels unreal. He first collaborated with author Julia Donaldson in the early 1990s, leading to the creation of the beloved character. Scheffler described his process for designing The Gruffalo, blending buffalo-like features and initially aiming for a less scary appearance, though publishers requested he tone down the frightening aspects.
Scheffler, who will appear at the Hastings Storytelling Festival, believes books are more critical than ever. He noted a decline in parents reading to children, who are increasingly drawn to screens. Picture books, he argued, provide a valuable link for shared reading experiences, encouraging children to focus on detailed illustrations. His upcoming festival appearance promises readings, sketches, and book signings.
