“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. He became great friends with everyone he encountered – staff, authors and illustrators alike. “He was there from the very beginning and essential to the origin of the company. He was as close to Andersen Press as I am. His long-time publisher, Mr Flugge, said: “I am devastated by the sudden death of my best friend, David McKee. 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.” Speaking to BookTrust in 2020, he praised books as “instrumental in helping children shape their view of the world”. McKee was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Open University at Plymouth College of Art in 2011. In 2021, Mr Benn celebrated the 50th anniversary of its TV version. McKee wrote and illustrated 29 original Elmer books, which have collectively been translated into more than 60 languages. Mr Flugge established Andersen Press in 1976 and McKee would publish more than 50 books through the house.Įlmer, 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. His debut book, Two Can Toucan, was published in 1964 by Klaus Flugge while he was working at Abelard-Schuman.

McKee was born in Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College.ĭuring his early career, he sold comic drawings to magazines and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest. “All at Andersen Press hope his spirit lives on for many more generations through his joyful, heartfelt stories.” “David died surrounded by his family, following a short illness in the South of France, where he has spent a lot of time in recent years.

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