Children's author David McKee has died at the age of 87. He was well known for creating books such as Mr Benn and Elmer.
He died after suffering a short illness at his home in the south of France. The news of his death was confirmed by his publisher.
Anderson Press said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David McKee, beloved author and illustrator for children, and creator of iconic children’s books Elmer, Not Now, Bernard and Mr Benn.
"All at Andersen Press hope his spirit lives on for many more generations through his joyful, heartfelt stories."
The author wrote 29 Elmer books. about a patchwork elephant, which have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. The books were adapted into an animated series and a stage play.
Mr Benn was turned into a BBC children's show in the 1970s and featured the adventure of Mr Benn who tries on different fancy dresses and then steps through into a magical world suiting his new clothing.
Emily Drabble, head of children's books promotion and prizes at BookTrust, wrote on twitter: "Just so sad to hear the wonderful David McKee has died, his books have meant so much to so many and I feel so lucky to have got to know him when he came to read Elmer to us."
McKee was born in Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College. During his early career, he sold comic drawings to magazines and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest.
His debut book, Two Can Toucan, was published in 1964 by Klaus Flugge while he was working at Abelard-Schuman. Mr Flugge established Andersen Press in 1976 and McKee would publish more than 50 books through the house.
Elmer, which followed the titular Patchwork Elephant, was first published in 1968 by Dobson Publishing but, after a new edition featuring updated illustrations was published by Andersen Press in 1989, it became an international sensation. McKee wrote and illustrated 29 original Elmer books, which have collectively been translated into more than 60 languages.
Mr Benn, meanwhile, began life as a children’s picture book in 1967 and later became a BBC TV series. The story followed the eponymous explorer as he left his house at 52 Festive Road in London before being transformed at a fancy dress shop and entering another world appropriate to his outfit.
In 2021, Mr Benn celebrated the 50th anniversary of its TV version. McKee was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Open University at Plymouth College of Art in 2011.
Speaking to BookTrust in 2020, he praised books as “instrumental in helping children shape their view of the world”. He added: “Picture books are a child’s first glimpse into the art world and, in some way, especially with some of my books, the illustrations are actually more important than the story.”
His long-time publisher, Mr Flugge, said: “I am devastated by the sudden death of my best friend, David McKee. He was as close to Andersen Press as I am. He was there from the very beginning and essential to the origin of the company. He became great friends with everyone he encountered – staff, authors and illustrators alike.
“His was a singular voice and a shining light in children’s books that highlighted inclusivity, diversity and parts of our world that are not always present in publishing for children. His classic books include Elmer, Two Monsters and Not Now, Bernard, amongst many, many others, have become part of the canon of children’s literature, and we hope will be enjoyed by children for many more generations to come.”
Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust said: “Everyone at BookTrust is devastated to hear about the death of David McKee, the author and illustrator of much-loved stories like Elmer, Not Now Bernard, Mr Benn and many more. David’s incredible and unique contribution to children’s literature crosses cultures, languages and generations.
"Throughout his life, he has championed the importance of children’s books – how they shape attitudes and open doors to get children reading. We are so grateful for his long-standing support of our work, and we were honoured to recognise him with our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
“His special books and iconic characters have brought so many smiles to children's faces across the generations, inspiring them to pick up their next book and we know they'll continue to do so. Thank you for everything, David.”
