Ever since she was a child, Sassafras De Bruyn has wanted to become an artist. In 2013, her dream came true as she finished her degree in Illustrative Design at Sint Lucas Antwerpen. Since then, she has participated in several projects and worked for publishers such as De Eenhoorn Uitgeverij (‘De jongen op het dak’ (The boy on the roof) and ‘Als een vossenstaart op een kaart’ (Like a foxtail on a map)). She has created illustrations, not only for children, but for adults as well. Her work is often considered to be mysterious, poetic and sensitive. She prefers to use warm colours and hides peculiarities here and there.

Sassafras about 'Wolf en Rolf' (Wolf and Rolf)

"The idea for this book began with the title, a beautiful harmony of sounds, sneaking around in my head: er zit een wolf in Rolf (there’s a wolf inside of Rolf). When that wolf growls, Rolf is afraid to do something, because he has to be a big boy and remain well-behaved. Just like too many other children, he’s afraid to show what he feels, because adults too often say things like 'Pull yourself together, don’t cry', 'Don't be angry'... Even though being allowed to feel what you feel is so incredibly important. Growling is allowed too, showing your teeth, looking angry.
When Rolf's feelings are very big and he feels overwhelmed, Wolf is gigantic. Bit by bit, Rolf learns to feel and to show what he feels, encouraged by Wolf. Wolf becomes smaller, until he’s only on the inside.
The story relies on the illustrations. Show, don’t tell, as publisher Elly said. I didn't want to use one word more than was needed. The repeated, colossal presence of the white wolf in several recognisable situations makes it easier for young children to read the pictures.
To create ‘Wolf and Rolf’, I only used grey and a few coloured pencils. I love the challenge and freedom I experience when I use a restricted amount of materials. I chose soft blue tints with refreshing lines and enigmatic colours inside of which I leave the big white Wolf blank. The colours in the book sway on the emotions of Rolf. From dark blue fear to multicoloured frustration to bright red smudges when the boy reaches his boiling point."