Axel Scheffler, born in 1957 in Hamburg, lives as a freelance illustrator in London and is undoubtedly one of the most popular children's book illustrators. Many of his illustrated children's books and numerous picture books have been published by Beltz & Gelberg, especially the picture books he created with Julia Donaldson. "The Gruffalo" has also become a major classic internationally. Julia Donaldson, born in 1948 in London, was an editor and teacher. Today, she lives as a freelance writer in Sussex. Together with Axel Scheffler, she has published numerous successful picture books, including the bestseller "The Gruffalo.".