Beloved ’80s Children’s Author Dies at 87 originally appeared on Parade.
The world has lost a beacon in coziness with the death of Allan Ahlberg.
The British author, known for his beloved children’s books — often in collaboration with late wife and illustrator Janet Ahlberg — has died at 87.
Some of the Ahlbergs’ most famous books include Each Peach Pear Plum, The Jolly Postman, and Funnybones. Allan’s death comes 31 years after Janet’s passing; the beloved illustrator died in 1994 at 50 years old.
Allan’s fellow children’s authors and book lovers around the world took to social media to mourn his death — and to honor his life and career.
“Goodbye Allan. You were a pioneer of great children’s literature, both in picture books and poetry,” author Michael Rosenpenned on X. “You were clever, funny and wise. My children loved your books. So did and so DO I.”
“The cold autumn walks to the local library, book tickets, date stamps and hours spent exploring the boxes of picture books. Memories of FunnyBones and Each Peach Pear Plum. ‘I spy Tom Thumb…,'” quoted producer Dan Edwards. “Thank you Allan. #AllanAhlberg.”
It’s impossible to choose a favourite book by Allan Ahlberg. So many of us got into reading through his books and Janet’s wonderful illustrations ❤️ RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xHad5V6PBc
— rachel (@Rachbythesea) July 31, 2025
“Oh my goodness, this is such sad news,” a fan wrote via X. “Peepo! and Each Peach Pear Plum were staples in our house. We all loved them. Thank you, Allan and Janet.”
Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, CEO of Walker Books Group (a publisher of several of Allan’s titles), said in a statement via The Guardian that Allan “was enormously playful in spirit and language and had the ability to make you smile in one sentence.”
She continued: “Allan inspired generations of children’s writers, inspired all of us who worked with him, and inspired artists to make some of their very best work.”
Allan compiled his wife’s final printing, Janet’s Last Book, in 1997, three years after her death. Allan’s own final book was called Under the Table, which was released last year.
He is survived by his and Janet’s daughter Jessica Ahlberg, as well as second wife Vanessa Clark and his two stepchildren.
Beloved ’80s Children’s Author Dies at 87 first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
