The Snail and the Whale

Julia Donaldson is one of today’s best-loved children’s authors. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011–2013 and has written more than 100 books for children, including the international bestsellers The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Award. She lives in Sussex, England, with her husband.

Axel Scheffler was born in Hamburg, West Germany, and moved to England when he was 25 years old. After graduating from the Bath Academy of Art, he launched his illustrator career, and has achieved worldwide acclaim for his lively and engaging children’s book illustrations. His paintings for The Gruffalo were called “funny” and “downright lovable” (Kirkus). He travels extensively and currently makes his home in England.