Max Velthuijs dies

Writer and artist Max Velthuijs died on 25 January at the age of 81. Velthuijs started his career as an advertising artist and only began to create illustrations for a children’s book in 1962. His character ‘Kikker’ (frog), the figure with which he would gain world renown, first appeared in the illustrated book Klein-Mannetje heeft geen huis (Little-Man has no House) in 1983. Last year, Velthuijs was given the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, an important international prize in the field of juvenile literature. On that occasion, the jury praised Velthuijs for ‘repeatedly showing that he understands children: their doubts, their anxieties, and also their moments of joy. His books are gems of imagination, attractive combinations of text and pictures, which cheer children up and put them at ease as they explore the world around them.’.
More info: www.kikkerfeest.nl/show

Published: January 31, 2005 im