Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Children’s author and illustrator Janosch dies at 95 on Tenerife
Janosch, the German writer and illustrator, died at 95 on Tuesday on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
He was born Horst Eckert in 1931 and later adopted the name Janosch, suggested by his first publisher.
His 1979 book “Oh, wie schön ist Panama” brought him wide success and became a children’s classic.
His books have been translated into around 40 languages, with total sales in the millions.
His characters Tiger, Bear and Tigerduck became widely recognised, appearing on many licensed products and in a children’s television programme.
His stories often stood against oppression and injustice, and offered a contrast to the poverty and violence of his childhood.
Children’s author and illustrator Janosch died on Tuesday, aged 95, on Tenerife.
His Tübingen publisher, Bernhard Feil, confirmed his death, citing information from Janosch’s wife.
Born Horst Eckert in 1931, Janosch became widely known for books including “Oh, wie schön ist Panama.”
His characters, including the little tiger, the little bear and the Tiger Duck, became familiar to generations of readers.
His books were translated into about 40 languages, and their total circulation reached millions.
- Who
- Janosch, the writer and illustrator born Horst Eckert.
- What
- He died at the age of 95.
- When
- Tuesday; the articles were published on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Tenerife, Spain.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Janosch’s first children’s book, “Die Geschichte vom Pferd Valek,” was published.
BILD reports that “Oh, wie schön ist Panama” brought Janosch his major breakthrough.
Spiegel reports that “Oh, wie schön ist Panama” established Janosch as a leading children’s book author and illustrator.
BILD says Janosch moved to Tenerife, initially to recover from an illness.
Janosch celebrated his 95th birthday.
Janosch died on Tenerife, aged 95.
- Birth name
- Horst Eckert
- Age at death
- 95
- Place of death
- Tenerife, Spain
- Best-known book
- Oh, wie schön ist Panama
- Languages translated
- About 40
- First children’s book
- Die Geschichte vom Pferd Valek,” published in 1960
3 sources
What people are saying
Bei Janosch werden die zu Helden, die sonst niemand beachtet
Katholisch geboren worden zu sein, ist der größte Unfall meines Lebens
Die ersten Jahre meines Lebens waren die totale Zerstörung meiner Person