Beloved author and illustrator Terry Denton dies aged 76

Staff reporterUpdated September 22, 2026 — 5:31pm,first published 4:59pmBeloved illustrator and author Terry Denton, famed for the 13-Storey Treehouse series co-written with Andy Griffiths, has died aged 76.In a post to social media his literary agency Curtis Brown and publishers Pan Macmillan shared the news: “Terry died surrounded by his family on Monday [September 21].”Author Terry Denton in his studio in Mornington.Mario BorgBased in Victoria, Denton was best known for his Gasp! series, which was adapted for television, as well as the Treehouse books, co-written with Griffiths – the current Australian Children’s Laureate – over the course of three decades. He was also involved with the development of Australian television series Lift Off, including the design of the iconic EC doll.His work garnered awards across his long career, starting with the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award in 1986 for Felix and Alexander. As an illustrator he worked with other authors including Mem Fox, Paul Jennings, Alison Lloyd and Gillian Rubinstein.Griffiths, Denton’s frequent collaborator, said: “Working – and playing – with Terry over three decades has been an incredible honour and a pure delight. I’ve never laughed so hard as I did when working with him, whether in the writing room or on stage. He was a true clown and much beloved – both in real life and as a character in the Treehouse series. Jill and I will miss him greatly.”In response to the news, author Amie Kaufman posted: “We have lost a legend. He has long been an absolute celebrity at my house – adored by my young reader, but as a writer, I think I learned just as much from his beautiful mix of kindness and humour.” Readings bookshop in Melbourne also shared its own tribute on social media, saying: “Australian children’s literature has lost a legend. Vale Terry Denton, you’ll be missed.”The statement from his agency and publisher included tributes from his children.“Dad gave joy to millions of children around the world and after all those stories and all those live he touched, he always came home to us.“We are so grateful that his stories will continue to live on, bringing wonder, laughter and comfort to generations yet to come – and most especially to his beloved grandchildren, who will grow up knowing him through the magic he left behind.”Denton is survived by his wife Kristen, his children Max, Imogen and Eve, and his grandchildren Georgia, Lucy, Charlie, Alfie and Felix.The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday.From our partners