The UK children’s literary world is, as of summer 2025, reflecting on the remarkable contribution of Allan Ahlberg, whose recent passing at the age of 87 has made headlines and sparked a national outpouring of appreciation. Renowned for over five decades of creative storytelling, Ahlberg leaves behind a body of work that continues to influence and delight generations of readers across the United Kingdom.
From Humble Beginnings to Literary Fame
Allan Ahlberg’s early life was marked by resilience and resourcefulness. Born in Croydon in 1938, he was adopted as a baby and raised in Oldbury, West Midlands, describing his upbringing as “working-class” and “bookless”. His formative years were spent in a household with few luxuries, an experience he would later draw upon for books such as Peepo!, which vividly captures the perspective of a baby growing up under similar circumstances.
Before he ever penned a children’s story, Ahlberg held various jobs, including postman, plumber’s assistant, and gravedigger—roles that grounded his later writing in the texture of real-life Britain. At age 22, a boss encouraged him to become a teacher, which led him to Sunderland Teacher Training College. There, he met Janet Hall, who would become not only his wife but also his greatest creative partner.
Crafting Classics Together: A Partnership with Janet Ahlberg
The creative spark between Allan and Janet Ahlberg was ignited by their shared background as teachers and a mutual love of children’s stories. Their early collaborations—The Old Joke Book, The Vanishment of Thomas Tull, and Burglar Bill—showed an immediate gift for blending gentle humour with lively illustrations and accessible storytelling.
Their most celebrated works, such as Each Peach Pear Plum, Peepo!, and The Jolly Postman, remain pillars of modern children’s literature. The Jolly Postman, published in 1986, stood out for its playful mix of narrative and interactive elements, featuring real letters tucked inside envelopes for young readers to remove and explore—a feature that set a new standard for imaginative picture books.
Janet’s illustrations, praised for their warmth and wit, perfectly matched Allan’s tender writing. This partnership was recognised at the highest level, with Janet winning the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal twice—for Each Peach Pear Plum and The Jolly Christmas Postman. The pair’s books have sold millions worldwide, with The Jolly Postman alone surpassing six million copies in sales.
Writing Beyond Partnership: A Prolific Author
After Janet’s untimely death in 1994, Ahlberg continued to write, collaborating with notable illustrators like Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman, as well as his daughter, Jessica, who contributed to newer works such as Half a Pig and innovative retellings of classic fairy tales. Even in later life, Ahlberg pushed the boundaries of children’s books by experimenting with form and content—writing poetry collections, chapter books, and playful prose that won admiration for their diversity, wit, and empathy.
Among his other enduring creations are the Funnybones series (later turned into a children’s BBC television show), Woof! (which inspired an ITV series), and the Happy Families collection, a favourite for British children learning to read since the 1980s. His book Starting School remains an essential for children beginning their first school years.
Ahlberg’s approach to children’s literature has always been marked by playfulness and an insistence on treating his young readers with respect. In interviews, he described books as “fun, happy, and sad”—sometimes short, sometimes long—but always written to surprise and engage children and adults alike.
Recognition, Integrity, and Impact
Beyond his output as an author, Ahlberg was known for his strong principles. In 2014, he turned down a prestigious lifetime achievement award because it was sponsored by Amazon, citing his opposition to their tax practices. He explained, “Tax, fairly applied to us all, is a good thing. […] The idea that my ‘lifetime achievement’ should have the Amazon tag attached to it is unacceptable”. This decision earned him wide respect within the literary and education communities.
His accolades include the Kurt Maschler Award, Blue Peter Award, the Children’s Book Award, and numerous Greenaway commendations. His books have shaped the childhoods of millions in the UK, praised by authors and critics alike for their warmth and originality.
Michael Rosen, fellow children’s author and former Children’s Laureate, described Ahlberg as “a pioneer of great children’s literature—clever, funny, wise, and universally loved”.
Remembering Allan Ahlberg in 2025
Ahlberg’s final picture book, Under the Table, was published by Penguin Random House in 2023, capping off a career of over 150 titles. In the days following his death on 29 July 2025, social media, publishers, and fans across Britain have celebrated his life and legacy. Tributes speak to the warmth, skill, and inventiveness of his work—qualities that have made family reading time richer across generations.
He is survived by his wife Vanessa, his daughter Jessica, and two stepdaughters. His stories, collaborations, and commitment to children’s literature have set a standard that will inspire writers, teachers, and families for decades to come.
Conclusion
In a world where children’s entertainment often gravitates towards the digital, Ahlberg’s books cheerfully endure on nursery shelves and in libraries. Young readers return to the gentle rhymes of Each Peach Pear Plum, the humour of Funnybones, and the inventiveness of The Jolly Postman—discovering, time and again, that stories have the power to bring families together.
His literary voice—a blend of playfulness, empathy, and insight—ensures Allan Ahlberg’s status as a cornerstone of British childhood. In 2025, his books continue to set children’s imaginations free, reminding new generations that even the simplest stories can be unforgettable.
To read more click here
