Renowned children's author Allan Ahlberg passes away at the age of 87
Allan Ahlberg, a prolific children's author who passed away last week at the age of 87, was known for his playful and humorous stories that often drew from his diverse background and experiences. Born in 1938 in a working-class industrial area of England known as the Black Country, Ahlberg's early work experiences as a postman, plumber's mate, and gravedigger deeply influenced his writing by grounding his stories in everyday life and working-class realities.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Ahlberg held various jobs, including teaching, being a postman, a plumber's assistant, and a gravedigger. It was during his teaching career that he met his wife and illustrator, Janet Ahlberg, at a teacher training college. Their collaboration produced books characterized by gentle rhyming verse combined with intricate illustrations, often blending the mundane with the fantastical and infused with quirky humor.
Their first book together, "Peepo!", published in 1981, was based on Ahlberg himself and depicted a day in the life of a baby. This book, as well as "Each Peach Pear Plum" and "The Jolly Postman", were illustrated by Janet Ahlberg. "The Jolly Postman" was reviewed by Chris Powling in 1987, who described it as a "virtuoso performance" in terms of word and image, and "without a flaw" in terms of design.
Ahlberg's stories often included characters from famous fairy tales like "Cinderella" and the "Big Bad Wolf." One of his books, "Goldilocks", was even turned into a pop-up version with his daughter Jessica. Despite the fantastical elements in his stories, Ahlberg's books remained grounded in reality, making them relatable and vivid for young readers.
Tragically, Janet Ahlberg died of breast cancer in 1994. After her death, Allan continued to work with other illustrators, adapting his collaborative style. He wrote over 150 children's books in total, proving to be a beloved author by audiences worldwide. Allan Ahlberg is survived by his wife Vanessa, two stepdaughters, and his daughter Jessica.
Elizabeth Blair, NPR News reported that Ahlberg's book "The Jolly Postman" was interactive, with tiny envelopes and postcards. "Peepo!" was also based on Ahlberg himself, as the book depicted a day in the life of a baby. The book's brevity and precision show a disciplined approach likely refined through Ahlberg's teaching and life experience.
Ahlberg's books have proven to be enduring classics, celebrated by critics and beloved by audiences worldwide. His ability to capture children’s humor and imagination effectively, combined with his understanding of children's perspectives, made his stories resonate strongly with young readers. Ahlberg's legacy will surely live on in the hearts and minds of children for generations to come.
Books like "Peepo!" and "The Jolly Postman," authored by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by his late wife Janet Ahlberg, offer interactive elements that engage young readers with tiny envelopes and postcards, blurring the lines between reading and play. In addition to these, Ahlberg also penned numerous other children's books, showcasing his unique ability to blend everyday life with the fantastical, contributing significantly to the news of books and entertainment.
