Helme Heine 4 April 1941 – 20 November 2025

I saw a post by Betsy Bird sharing the authors and illustrators who we lost in 2025. One of them was Helme Heine. I have loved illustrations by Helme Heine ever since I saw Friends. Here is my previous post about his book The Most Wonderful Egg in the World.

His most iconic creation, the trio of unlikely friends—a pig, a rooster, and a mouse—captured the essence of loyalty and adventure, selling millions and inspiring adaptations worldwide. What made Heine notable was not just his commercial success, with over 50 books translated into 35 languages, but his ability to weave profound life lessons into playful narratives, earning accolades like the European Children’s Book Award and multiple New York Times nods for best-illustrated works.

Helme Heine was born in Germany, until 1977 he lived in South Africa and then after returning to Germany he finally settled in New Zealand in the late 1980s.

Helme Heine wrote his very first children's book in 1975. It was called "The secret of the elephant's poohs." The book was published in 1976 and received an honorable mention at a big children's book fair in Italy. His first really big success came in 1977 with the book "The Pigs' Wedding." In 1977, he moved back to Germany with his family. He went on to publish more than 50 children's books. These books have been translated into over 35 different languages, reaching children all over the world. Two of his books, "Mr. Miller the Dog" (1980) and "The Marvelous Journey through the Night" (1991), were even named among the "Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year" by The New York Times. His most famous book, "Friends," was published in 1982. It teaches important lessons about friendship. Source

Here is a sweet image I found on Instagram:

Image source: Helme Heine Art

Every year, a new family calendar by Helme Heine was published with unpublished motifs.