German children's author and illustrator Janosch dies at age 95

German children's author and illustrator Janosch has died at the age of 95, DW reported on November 4, 2026. The creator was known for his figures including Bear, Tiger, and Tiger-Duck. [1]

Janosch was the pen name of Horst Eckert, who won international recognition for his warm and simple sense of humor, according to DW. He created more than 150 books that were translated into over 30 languages. [1]

Born in Hindenburg, Upper Silesia, Eckert fled with his family to West Germany after World War II. He worked in a textile factory and trained as a blacksmith before studying art in Munich, where he was discharged for a lack of talent. He then adopted his pseudonym and published his debut children's book in 1960. [5]

DW reported that his best-selling book, translated into English as The Trip to Panama, achieved significant financial success. The revenue allowed him to settle on the Canary Island of Tenerife in 1980, where he lived with his wife Ines. [1]