Hi, I’m Michèle, the illustrator of the “Benny the Blue Heeler” books.  Great to have so many of you visiting this site!  I hope you enjoy reading about Benny’s adventures and are having fun checking out all the pictures of him and his friends. I had a blast creating them and can’t wait to let the pencils and brushes loose again!

Okay, so a little bit about me:

Name?

Michèle Achhammer

When Was I Born?

27 January 1965

Who’s in my Family?

Ray (Partner), Gina (Daughter), Gerhard (Dad), Moira (Mum) and brothers (Stefan and Robert).

Where Did I Grow Up?

I was born in Scotland, but grew up in Germany. You see, my dad is German and my mum is Scottish, and I was brought up bilingual (German/English).

Where Did I Go to School?

I went to school in Regensburg, Germany, finished my “Abitur” (very different school system to Australia, probably equivalent to first year university), then went to London for a few years before I came to Australia.

My favourite things

Great artwork; 70% dark chocolate; sushi; listening to music; going for long walks with my partner, Ray; spending time with my daughter, Gina; and having a good laugh with my family and friends (not necessarily in that order – I really love my 70% dark chocolate!).

So When Did I Get Into Illustrating?

I illustrated a couple of books a few years ago, but they were never published. This Benny Book is the first one that was published and I’m looking forward to starting the next one!  I have been drawing and painting all my life though, and have been commissioned to do numerous portraits and landscapes. (www.machhammer.com.au)

Why Benny?

Well, when Lisa first let me read the Benny Story, I absolutely loved it! It’s so funny and contemporary (Lisa’s a very talented girl!), all sorts of images of Benny on his quad immediately flitted through my head. So when I was asked if I wanted to illustrate the book, I was really excited and couldn’t wait to start!