Children’s author Allan Ahlberg dies aged 87
Publisher Penguin Random House, dear writer Allan Ahlberg, who wrote the classic funny bones of children, died at the age of 87.
His career has been spread for more than twenty years by writing 150 books such as Woof!, Jolly Postman and award -winning Peach Pear Plum.
He worked with his deceased wife Janet, an award -winning illustrator and continued to sell millions of books worldwide.
After Janet’s death in 1994, he worked with illustrators such as Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman. He also cooperated with a series of innovative variations at his daughter Jessica and Half Pig and Goldilocks.
Michael Rosen, the author of the children, described Ahlberg as the “pioneer of older children’s literature”.
In a tribute on the X, he said: “You have become the pioneer of the older children’s literature both in picture books and poetry.
“Clever, funny and wise. My children loved their books. I am and so are me.”
“Allan was one of the most extraordinary writers I’ve enjoyed to work with Francesca Dow, President of Children’s Literature at Penguin Random House.
“Many of the late wife Janet, the bright books created with an extremely talented illustrator were described as ‘mini masterpieces’.
“Allan, some of the best classics to be loved by children and families for the coming years. Dear Allan, we will all miss you very much.”
The publisher took his latest illustrated book under the table in 2023.
His daughter Jessica survived by his wife Vanessa and her stepmother Saskia and Johanna.
Ahlberg was born in 1938 in Croydon. He was raised by his adopted parents in Oldbury and worked as a postman, plumber and graveler. Finally, he studied to become a teacher at Sunderland Teacher Education College.
Many of his books won the award or adapted to the Children’s TV series.
Jolly Postman, released in 1991, won the Kurt Maschler Award and sold more than six million copies.
Funny bones about a skeleton family were adapted to a Children’s TV series broadcasted on BBC in 1992.
Woof about a little boy who turned into a dog! His book inspired a TV series working on ITV between 1989-1997.
In 2014, Ahlberg discovered that it was supported by Amazon and made headlines to turn down the lifetime achievement award.
