Axel Scheffler: from Gruffalo to Brusselo

He has knobbly knees and turned-out toes and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose. Ringing any bells?

Well, if you’ve had children in the last quarter of a century, you’ll recognise that as a quote from Julia Donaldson’s best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo, illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

The German-born illustrator’s picture books have sold millions of copies. He’s recently recast the Gruffalo as an emblem of Brexit, the Brusselo, arguing passionately for engagement with Europe in all its forms.