Nikolaus Heidelbach, author and illustrator, was born in Lahnstein am Rhein in 1955. He studied German language and literature, art history and theatre studies in Cologne and Berlin.
While still a student he made his literary début with an illustrated work for adults and in 1982 published his first book for children, »Das Elefantentreffen oder 5 dicke Angeber« (tr. The elephant reunion, or 5 fat show-offs). Since then, numerous illustrations for short stories, poems and fairytales, plus schoolbooks, works for adults and cover illustrations, including those for the well-known Artemis Fowl novels, have appeared alongside picture books with his own texts.
Heidelbach is one of the most acclaimed and quirky picture book artists in Germany. He is one of the few writers who focus on the mischievous behavior and enchanting cruelty of children.
He has received, among other distinctions, Troisdorf’s Picture Book Prize (1981) and the special award of the German Youth Literature Prize (2000) in honor of his life’s work.
He lives in Cologne with his family.