Children’s author Allan Ahlberg, best known for penning the classic Funnybones, has died at the age of 87, Penguin Random House confirmed.
Spanning over five decades, Ahlberg’s literary legacy includes more than 150 books, among them the much-loved Woof!, The Jolly Postman, and Peach Pear Plum. Many of these were created in partnership with his late wife Janet, a celebrated illustrator. Together, the duo captured the imaginations of millions of children worldwide.
Following Janet’s death in 1994, Ahlberg continued his storytelling journey, collaborating with iconic illustrators like Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman. He also teamed up with his daughter Jessica on titles such as Half a Pig and a series of clever retellings of Goldilocks.
Fellow author Michael Rosen paid tribute on X, writing: “You were a pioneer of great children’s literature, both in picture books and poetry. You were clever, funny and wise. My children loved your books. So did and so do I.”
Francesca Dow, head of children’s publishing at Penguin Random House, added: “Allan was one of the most extraordinary authors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. His books with Janet were ‘mini masterpieces’. They are true classics that will continue to bring joy to families for generations. We will miss him dearly.”
Ahlberg’s final picture book, Under the Table, was published in 2023.
Born in Croydon in 1938 and raised by adoptive parents in Oldbury, Ahlberg’s early life saw him working as a postman, plumber, and even a gravedigger, before he trained as a teacher. His teaching background heavily influenced his storytelling voice—approachable, imaginative, and deeply connected to childhood curiosity.
Many of his stories were adapted for television. Funnybones was turned into a BBC series in 1992, and Woof! inspired a popular ITV show that ran from 1989 to 1997. The Jolly Postman, published in 1991, won the Kurt Maschler Award and sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
In 2014, Ahlberg made headlines when he rejected a lifetime achievement award upon learning it was sponsored by Amazon, citing his disapproval of their tax practices.
He is survived by his daughter Jessica, wife Vanessa, and stepdaughters Saskia and Johanna.
