The writer and illustrator Janosch, whose real name was Horst Eckert, died on 3 November 2026 aged 95 on the island of Tenerife . His publisher confirmed his death. German media published the first obituaries and tributes on 4 November 2026. Janosch became internationally known for his children’s books, above all for the characters of the Tiger Duck, the Little Bear and the Little Tiger.
Born on 11 March 1931, Janosch shaped German-language children’s books and picture books for decades. His simply told yet poetic stories and distinctive visual style became familiar touchstones for several generations. His life took him from Upper Silesia to Munich; he had lived in Tenerife for many years. His extensive body of work includes, in addition to books, numerous illustrations, watercolours and prints.
Cultural institutions paid tribute to the artist as soon as news of his death emerged. The Kunsthalle Rostock, which dedicated an exhibition to Janosch in summer 2026, emphasised that his visual style reached far beyond the children’s book genre. Publishers and cultural organisations issued statements of condolence, highlighting the enduring presence of his characters in everyday culture. No further details about the cause of death were initially available.
Janosch’s death marks a turning point for the literary world. Publishers and libraries typically prepare new editions and retrospectives of his complete works; museums and literary venues often plan memorial events and exhibitions. Copyright and estate matters are governed by existing contractual arrangements; no specific decisions on this have been announced so far.
Janosch was regarded as an original and at times contradictory artistic personality. In interviews and autobiographical notes, he varied details of his life and the labels applied to him, contributing to a somewhat mythologised account of his biography. What is beyond dispute is the enormous response to his books and pictures, whose motifs have appeared in stories, theatrical adaptations and everyday objects. The enduring popularity of Tiger Duck and the Little Bear shows how profoundly Janosch shaped the visual world of childhood in Germany.
The confirmation of Janosch’s death and the timing of the first obituaries are based on consistent reports by leading media outlets. Further details about funeral services, his estate and possible posthumous publications are expected in the coming days.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).