David McKee Obituary, Cause Of Death, Wife, Children, Books

The bestselling children’s novelist and creator of Elmer and Mr Benn, David McKee, has died at the age of 87.

His publisher, Andersen Press, confirmed the news, stating that he died at his residence in the South of France following a brief illness.

“It is with great regret that we announce the loss of David McKee, beloved novelist and illustrator for children, and creator of iconic children’s books Elmer, Not Now, Bernard, and Mr Benn,” a spokeswoman said in a statement

McKee is best known for Elmer, a children’s book that was initially published in 1968 and went on to become one of the most popular in the world.

McKee wrote 29 Elmer books, which have been translated into over 60 languages and have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Mr Benn, which was also made into a TV series, is another of McKee’s most popular works.

McKee was born in Devon and travelled to Plymouth to study painting. His literary profession took him all over the world, and he spent a lot of time in Italy, France, and Spain.

McKee has had a partner called Bakhtin. They had a son together.