Allan Ahlberg, the acclaimed children’s author, has died at the age of 87, his publisher, Penguin Random House, has confirmed.
Over a distinguished career spanning five decades, he penned 150 books, including beloved classics such as The Jolly Postman, Funny Bones, Peepo!, and the award-winning Each Peach Pear Plum.
Many of his most celebrated works were created in collaboration with his wife, Janet, an award-winning illustrator. Together, they achieved global success, selling millions of copies of their books.
Fellow children’s author Michael Rosen has paid tribute to Ahlberg, describing him as a “pioneer of great children’s literature.”
In a post on X, Rosen wrote: “You were a pioneer of great children’s literature, both in picture books and poetry.”
“You were clever, funny and wise. My children loved your books. So did and so do I.”
Francesca Dow, Managing Director of Penguin Random House Children’s, said: “Allan was one of the most extraordinary authors I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with.”
“His brilliant books – so many of them created with his late wife, Janet, the highly talented illustrator – have been described as ‘mini masterpieces’.”
“Allan’s are some of the very best – true classics, which will be loved by children and families for years to come. Dear Allan, we will all miss you enormously.”
Ahlberg is survived by his wife Vanessa, daughter Jessica, and stepdaughters Saskia and Johanna.
Born in Croydon in 1938, he was raised by his adoptive parents in Oldbury. Before pursuing a career in education, he worked as a postman, plumber, and gravedigger. He later trained to become a teacher at Sunderland Teacher Training College, where he met his first wife, Janet.
In 1975, the Ahlbergs published their first book together, Here are the Brick Street Boys.
This was quickly followed by The Old Joke Book, Burglar Bill, and Each Peach Pear Plum, for which Janet received the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration in 1978.
The Jolly Postman, published in 1991, won the Kurt Maschler Award and has sold over six million copies to date.
The second book in the series, The Jolly Christmas Postman (1991), won a second Kate Greenaway Medal.
His book Woof!, about a young boy who transforms into a dog, inspired a television series that aired on ITV between 1989 and 1997.
He garnered attention in 2014 when he declined a lifetime achievement award due to its sponsorship by Amazon, which was facing criticism regarding its tax practices at the time.
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