NOT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
A portrait of picture book artist Helme Heine.
Restraint and sensitivity are the trademarks of picture book artist Helme Heine. The 75-year-old is one of the true great artists of his trade. However, he not only creates illustrations, he also simultaneously invents the stories that go with them. These include such veritable children’s book classics as “Friends” featuring the three heroes Franz von Hahn, Johnny Mauser and fat Waldemar or the “Elefanteneinmaleins”. They have all led Heine to international acclaim; his success fundamentally goes down to the fact that he speaks a language that children understand. And: his stories are witty and frequently incorporate a certain amount of irony, but never more than his small readers are actually able to digest. Helme Heine always observes his surroundings with untamed inquisitiveness and quiet passion. It is probably for these reasons that he is so much loved by both big and small avid readers across the globe.