The author and illustrator died surrounded by a family in the south of France after a short illness. After a lifetime of traveling the world, he and his partner Bakhta, a French-Algerian art dealer, have been splitting their time between London and Provence in recent years. Longtime publisher Klaus Flugge said he was devastated by the news. “It was a unique voice and a shining light in children’s books that highlighted the inclusiveness, diversity and parts of our world that are not always present in children’s publications.” “Consistency, celebration and friendship”… The Duchess of Cornwall meets Elmer in St James’s Park, London, in 2021. Photo: Rex / Shutterstock He added: “Not only was I lucky enough to be his publisher, he was also a great friend and will be missed by many more people than he could have ever imagined.” McKee was born in Tavistock, Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College. His first book Two Can Toucan was published in 1964 by Flugge while working for Abelard-Schuman. When Flugge founded Andersen Press in 1976, McKee moved with him and continued to write more than 50 books for the publisher. McKee wrote and illustrated 29 original stories about the beloved colorful elephant Elmer, the first of which was published in 1968. The books remain one of the most widely read children’s book series of all time: more than 10 million copies have been sold, and translated in more than 60 languages. The issues of involvement, celebration, and friendship that pervade Elmer’s stories led the Guardian to hail Elmer as an LGBT hero in 2014. “I never intended to do that,” McKee said in an interview at the time. “But I suspect there are subconscious processes that I only discover later.” Mr. Ben in some costumes. Photo: Courtesy of Clive Juster & Associates / Mr Benn / © David McKee 2017 In addition to writing and illustrating children’s books, McKee has had a successful career as an artist and co-creator of animated television programs, including Mr Benn, based on his book series on the magical adventures of an explorer. The series celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. McKee was declared the winner of the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. “David McKee understands the importance of always paying attention to children and what he gives them is first class,” said jury president Nicolette Jones when announcing his victory. Speaking to the Guardian in 2020, McKee said: “I have often said that I think the air is full of stories – you just have to have the right receiver and get them.”
