David McKee: Author of Mr Benn and Elmer encouraged thousands of children 'to be different'

David McKee, the author and illustrator of Mr Benn, Elmer and Not Now Bernard, left an “incredible legacy of acceptance for children around the world”.

Author and illustrator, David McKee. Credit: Andersen Press

Mr McKee who died on 6 April, aged 87, was the creator of iconic books which celebrated imagination and diversity.

Elmer, the multicoloured patchwork elephant stood out from the herd because he wasn’t grey, teaching children it is fine to be different, with the themes of inclusivity and friendship running through all the Elmer stories.

The Elmer books sold over 10 million copies and have been translated into over 60 languages.

David McKee’s publisher, Andersen Press, said these themes “are a testament to David’s character and outlook on life, and he leaves an incredible legacy of acceptance for children around the world”.

Andersen Press revealed that he died surrounded by his family, following a short illness in the South of France, where he has spent a lot of time in recent years. It said: “We hope his spirit lives on for many more generations through his joyful, heartfelt stories.”

On hearing of his death, Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press said: “I am devastated by the sudden death of my best friend David McKee. He was as close to Andersen Press as I am. He was there from the very beginning and essential to the origin of the company. He became great friends with everyone he encountered; staff, authors and illustrators alike.

“His was a singular voice and a shining light in children's books that highlighted inclusivity, diversity and parts of our world that are not always present in publishing for children. His classic books include Elmer, Two Monsters and Not Now, Bernard, amongst many, many others, have become part of the canon of children’s literature, and we hope will be enjoyed by children for many more generations to come.

“Not only was I fortunate to be his publisher, he was also a wonderful friend, and he will be missed by many more people than he could ever imagine. My thoughts, and those of everyone at Andersen Press, are with his family and many friends around the world.”

Born in Devon, Mr McKee studied at Plymouth Art College. In the early part of his career he drew humorous drawings for magazines and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest.

His series of books, Mr Benn, about an explorer with a bowler hat who went into a magic costume shop and went on fantastical adventures, was made into a popular, animated TV programme in the 1970s.

Only 13 episodes were ever made but they were regularly repeated.

Mr McKee also wrote and illustrated the dark and comic, Not Now Bernard, where a young boy tries to get the attention of his parents and keeps getting told ‘not now, Bernard’. Unconventionally there is no happy ending as Bernard ends up being eaten and replaced by a monster.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Open University at Plymouth College of Art in 2011 and was named the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2020, also winning Illustrator of the Year at that year’s British Book Awards.

Speaking to BookTrust in 2020, Mr McKee said: “Children's books can contribute to changing attitudes and are instrumental in helping children shape their view of the world. Picture books are a child's first glimpse into the art world and in some way, especially with some of my books, the illustrations are actually more important than the story.”