Popular children’s author and book illustrator Terry Denton dies aged 76 as heartbroken family pay tribute

BELOVED children’s book illustrator Terry Denton has died aged 76 after a celebrated career bringing some of the world’s best-known stories to life. The Australian artist, famed for his wildly imaginative drawings in the hugely popular Treehouse series, died surrounded by his family on Monday. Children’s book illustrator Terry Denton has died aged 76 Credit: Facebook The artist died surrounded by his family on Monday Credit: Getty For three decades, Denton worked alongside author Andy Griffiths, with their riotous partnership entertaining millions of young readers around the world. A heartbroken Griffiths paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator, describing their 30 years together as a “delight”. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He said: “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.” Denton’s family also remembered the illustrator as a devoted dad and grandfather. His wife Kristin, children Max, Imogen and Eve, and his grandchildren joined his agent in announcing his death on social media. “Dad gave joy to millions of children around the world and after all those stories and all those lives he touched, he always came home to us,” they said. “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.” Most read in The Sun Publisher Pan Macmillan Australia hailed Denton as “an icon of children’s books” whose work was powered by an “extraordinary imagination and joyful humour”. It said his much-loved creations would continue making youngsters laugh for generations. Denton’s remarkable career stretched far beyond the Treehouse books, with the prolific artist writing and illustrating more than 30 titles of his own. Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton released the hugely popular Treehouse series, ultimately producing 13 books together Credit: supplied The runaway hit became an international publishing phenomenon Credit: supplied Among them was the Gasp! series, which later made the leap from page to screen with a television adaptation in 2011. His distinctive illustrations also appeared alongside the work of celebrated authors Mem Fox, Paul Jennings and Gillian Rubinstein. But it was his longtime creative partnership with Griffiths that would produce some of his biggest successes. Their collaboration began with Just Tricking! in 1997 and grew into the nine-book Just! series. The pair later released the hugely popular Treehouse series, ultimately producing 13 books together. The runaway hit became an international publishing phenomenon, reaching 35 translation territories and clocking up more than 13 million English-language sales alone. Denton is survived by his wife Kristen, children Max, Imogen and Eve, and grandchildren Georgia, Lucy, Charlie, Alfie and Felix. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. Comment now