Posted: 12:00, 7 April 2022 | Updated: 12:33, 7 April 2022
David McKee, the best-selling children’s author and creator of Mr Benn, has died at the age of 87. The news was confirmed by the publisher of Andersen Press, who says that he died at his home in the South of France after a short illness. McKee started a children’s book in 1964 with Two Can Toucan and became a household name by selling millions of copies of Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. Elmer remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies. David McKee, Mr Benn’s best-selling children’s author and creator, has died at the age of 87. Mr Benn’s character has appeared in many children’s books as a man in a black suit and bowler hat who enters a fancy dress shop to try on a particular outfit and goes on a magical adventure that matches his suit. McKee has written and illustrated 29 original Elmer books and has been collectively translated into more than 60 languages with new innovative books, toys and clothing available worldwide based on David’s favorite character. Klaus Flugge’s longtime publisher said: “I am devastated by the sudden death of my best friend David McKee. He was as close to Andersen Press as I was. He became a great friend to everyone he met. staff, writers and illustrators. “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. “His classic books include Elmer, Two Monsters and Not Now, Bernard, among many, many others, have become part of the rule of children’s literature and we hope children enjoy it for many generations to come. McKee started the children’s book in 1964 with Two Can Toucan and became a household name by selling millions of copies of Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. “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. “My thoughts, and those of all Andersen Press members, are with his family and many friends around the world.” The author has written 29 Elmer books that have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. McKee was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Open University at Plymouth College of Art in 2011. He was named winner of the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and also won Illustrator of the Year at that year’s British Book Awards.
