Allan Ahlberg, the beloved and celebrated children’s author, has passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by his publisher, Penguin Random House. With a prolific career that lasted more than five decades, Ahlberg authored over 150 books, captivating the hearts and imaginations of children worldwide. His contributions to children’s literature include iconic titles such as “The Jolly Postman,” “Funny Bones,” “Peepo!,” and the award-winning “Each Peach Pear Plum.” Through his innovative storytelling and charming narratives, Ahlberg quickly became a cornerstone in the world of children’s literature.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ahlberg’s career was his collaboration with his wife, Janet Ahlberg, an award-winning illustrator. Together, they created a body of work that resonated with readers of all ages and achieved impressive sales figures globally. Their partnership was characterized by creativity and a shared passion for children’s storytelling, which allowed them to produce books that are not only entertaining but also educational and thought-provoking.
In commemorating Ahlberg’s legacy, fellow children’s author Michael Rosen expressed his admiration on social media, referring to Ahlberg as a “pioneer of great children’s literature.” Rosen highlighted that Ahlberg’s work in both picture books and poetry demonstrated a level of creativity and insight that few could match. His stories were imbued with cleverness and humor, making them cherished by children and adults alike, including Rosen’s own family.
Francesca Dow, head of children’s literature at Penguin Random House, also paid tribute to Ahlberg, describing him as an extraordinary author with whom she felt privileged to work. Dow emphasized that Ahlberg’s books, often produced in collaboration with Janet, were “mini masterpieces” that will continue to enchant new generations of readers. She expressed that Ahlberg’s literary creations are classics that will be loved by families for years to come, underscoring the impact he had on the genre.
Born in Croydon in 1938 and raised by adoptive parents in Oldbury, Ahlberg’s early life experiences greatly shaped his understanding of storytelling. Before venturing into writing, he held a variety of jobs, including postman, plumber, and gravedigger. These diverse experiences enriched his perspective, allowing him to connect with children through relatable narratives. He eventually pursued a career in education, training to become a teacher at Sunderland Teacher Training College, where he met his first wife, Janet.
In 1975, Allan and Janet Ahlberg published their first collaborative work titled “Here are the Brick Street Boys.” This initial success was quickly followed by several more, including “The Old Joke Book,” “Burglar Bill,” and “Each Peach Pear Plum.” Janet Ahlberg’s illustration skills were instrumental in their success, and her work on “Each Peach Pear Plum” earned her the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for illustrators in 1978. Allan’s creation “The Jolly Postman,” which debuted in 1991, gained critical acclaim, winning the Kurt Maschler Award and selling over six million copies globally.
Ahlberg continued to create engaging stories, with “The Jolly Christmas Postman,” a follow-up to his earlier work, earning him a second Kate Greenaway Medal. His creativity extended to other media, as seen with “Woof!”, a story about a little boy who transforms into a dog, which inspired a television series aired on ITV from 1989 to 1997.
Ahlberg also made headlines when he famously declined a lifetime achievement award in 2014 due to the award’s sponsorship by Amazon, a company facing scrutiny over its tax affairs at the time. This decision highlights his principled stance and commitment to integrity in the literary community.
Allan Ahlberg’s legacy extends beyond his written works; he is survived by his wife Vanessa, daughter Jessica, and stepdaughters Saskia and Johanna. His contributions to children’s literature will continue to be celebrated and cherished, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the field.
