Helme Heine facts for kids
Helme Heine (born 4 April 1941 – died 20 November 2025) was a talented German writer, illustrator, and designer. He was especially famous for his wonderful children's books. He also created drawings, sculptures, and wrote stories for movies and audiobooks. Later in his life, he lived in New Zealand.
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Who Was Helme Heine?
Helme Heine, whose full name was Helmut, was born in Berlin, Germany, on April 4, 1941. His parents managed different restaurants and hotels. Helme Heine was also the brother of another author and architect, Ernst Wilhelm Heine. He spent his childhood in places like Lübbecke and Wülfrath. By the time he finished high school in 1958, he had attended thirteen different schools. Even as a student, he was known for being creative and having many artistic talents. He studied both business and art, which helped him later in his diverse career.
Early Adventures and Creative Beginnings
In the early 1960s, instead of taking over his family's hotel, Helme Heine decided to travel. He explored many countries in Europe, Asia, and South Africa. He settled in Johannesburg, South Africa, and lived there until 1977. During this time, he started a political and funny show called "Sauerkraut." He also ran a magazine that made fun of current events, drew pictures, and worked as a director, stage designer, and actor. In the early 1970s, he began painting, adding another skill to his artistic journey.
Becoming a Beloved Children's Author
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.
Creating Magical Worlds: Tabaluga and More
Helme Heine also worked in theater and created musicals. He designed a special theme park for the Hanover Zoo in Germany. His artwork was shown in many exhibitions across Europe, the United States, and Asia. In 1983, he helped create a very popular children's character: a little green dragon named "Tabaluga." He worked on Tabaluga with musician Peter Maffay and writer Gregor Rottschalk. The "Tabaluga" stories became successful musicals that toured Germany. There was also a "Tabaluga" cartoon series with 78 episodes, shown in 18 countries. In 1992, Helme Heine created another children's cartoon series, also named "Sauerkraut," after his earlier cabaret show.
Life in New Zealand and Helping Others
In the late 1980s, Helme Heine moved to New Zealand. He lived and worked in a beautiful place called Russell in the Bay of Islands with his wife, Gisela von Radowitz. There, he continued to be creative, writing novels for adults and scripts for radio and films, like the movie "Mollywoop" (2009). He also kept drawing, painting, and designing sculptures and furniture. In his free time, he loved sailing and fishing. Helme Heine supported a charity called "Stiftung Freunde," which means "Friends Foundation." This foundation, named after his famous book, helps young children learn important life skills.
Awards and Legacy
As a writer and illustrator, Helme Heine received many awards from Germany and other countries. One of these was the European children's book award, recognizing his great contributions to children's literature. Helme Heine passed away in Russell, New Zealand, on November 20, 2025, at the age of 84. His stories and characters continue to bring joy and important lessons to children around the world.
