Farewell to Allan Ahlberg, a Mastermind of Children's Storytelling
So, one of the most beloved names in children's literature, Allan Ahlberg, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by Penguin Random House, his longtime publisher. Honestly, for anyone who grew up in the UK—or had kids who did—his books were probably somewhere on the shelf, if not completely worn out from being read over and over again.
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Ahlberg wasn’t just a writer. He was a creative force who shaped how generations of children experienced books. Over a career that stretched across five decades, he wrote more than 150 books. That’s not just a number—it’s a legacy. Titles like Each Peach Pear Plum , Funnybones , Peepo! , and the unforgettable The Jolly Postman became childhood staples. And a lot of these classics were brought to life with illustrations by his late wife, Janet. Together, they made magic. Seriously, their collaboration wasn’t just professional—it was personal, intimate, and brilliant. As Ahlberg once said, when Janet asked him to write something she could illustrate, he felt like a wind-up toy and “she had turned the key.”
Their books were known for blending playful text with imaginative design. The Jolly Postman , for instance, was more than just a story—it was an interactive experience, full of actual letters and envelopes that kids could open. It sold over six million copies and won multiple awards. And let’s not forget Peepo! , which gave kids a literal window into the story with a hole cut through the pages—a simple idea, but so clever.
Ahlberg’s writing was funny, warm, and deeply rooted in everyday life. He grew up in the Black Country, in modest surroundings, and worked as everything from a gravedigger to a teacher before becoming an author. Those early experiences gave his books a realness that kids connected with, even when the stories were full of talking skeletons or magical postmen.
Tributes have poured in since the news broke. Fellow author Michael Rosen called him a “pioneer of great children’s literature,” and his publisher described his work as “mini masterpieces”—which is honestly the perfect description.
Even after Janet’s passing in 1994, Allan continued to create, collaborate (including with their daughter Jessica), and speak up for his values. In 2014, he famously turned down a lifetime achievement award because it was sponsored by Amazon, taking a stand against their tax practices.
He’s survived by his wife Vanessa, his daughter Jessica, and two stepdaughters, Saskia and Johanna. But really, he’s survived by all the children—and grown-ups—whose imaginations he lit up.
Allan Ahlberg may be gone, but the worlds he created will keep on living, one bedtime story at a time.
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