Renowned Author and Illustrator Janosch Dies at Age 95

The acclaimed German author, writer, and illustrator Janosch, whose real name was Horst Eckert, has died at the age of 95 on the island of Tenerife. His publisher Bernhard Feil announced the passing on behalf of the artist's wife. Janosch achieved international fame with children's classics such as "Oh, How Beautiful Panama!" and created a vast literary legacy that included more than 150 books translated into roughly 40 languages.

Born in Zabrze, Upper Silesia—now part of Poland—in 1931, Janosch endured a difficult and impoverished childhood marked by a violent, alcoholic father and a strictly authoritarian upbringing. He later described his early years as a period of severe personal trauma. Despite an arduous start to his career, which included rejection from the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and initial commercial failures, he persisted and eventually found his breakthrough in 1978 with the publication of "Oh, How Beautiful Panama!"

The adventures of the little tiger and the little bear captured the imaginations of millions, accompanied by the iconic tiger duck that later became central to the popular children's television program "Tigerenten Club" produced by SWR and ARD. Scholars and publishers noted that his whimsical, imaginative works cleverly challenged societal norms and materialistic expectations, emphasizing that true happiness often lies in simplicity, freedom, and friendship.

Tributes poured in from cultural and political figures following the announcement of his death. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Janosch as a lifelong companion for countless children and adults, stating that his whimsical characters gave children around the world the "courage to dream." SWR Intendant Kai Gniffke highlighted how the author's stories taught generations to view the world with open eyes and warm hearts.

In addition to his children's books, Janosch wrote darker, more melancholic works for adults, including novels reflecting on his harrowing youth in Upper Silesia, as well as satirical columns under the persona Wondrak for the German publication Zeit-Magazin. Over the decades, he built a peaceful, quiet life on Tenerife, where he lived simply, gardened, and enjoyed his later years away from the public eye.

Public broadcasters and publishers announced memorial programming to honor his legacy, including the broadcast of the documentary "Where I Am Is Panama – The Life Journey of Mr. Janosch." His millions of published books and the enduring presence of the tiger duck in popular culture ensure that his artistic impact will continue to resonate with future generations.