Beloved children's author Shirley Barber passes away at 88
- Replies 25
The world of children's literature has lost one of its brightest stars. Shirley Barber, the renowned Australian author and illustrator, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, 12 December. She was 88.
Known for her enchanting fairy tales and the beloved character Martha B. Rabbit, Barber's legacy will continue to inspire young readers for generations to come.
Born into a family of artists, Barber's talent for storytelling and illustration was evident from a young age.
Barber was born in the Channel Islands, which are British Overseas territories. She moved to Watsonia, North Melbourne, with her family in 1965, where she continued to create her magical worlds.
Despite never receiving formal art training, her vivid imagination and innate artistic ability led her to create 30 original books, which were some of the most cherished children's books of our time.
Her publisher, Brolly Books, announced her passing on Tuesday morning, leaving millions of fans worldwide to mourn the loss of this literary icon.
'In each of Shirley's children's books, there are gentle messages of kindness, caring, friendship, and peace, never overstated but simply conveyed by the characters in her stories and their actions,' Brolly Books said in a statement.
Her books, including the popular titles Rainbow Magic and A Visit to Fairyland, have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, a testament to her universal appeal.
Her first book, Martha B. Rabbit: The Fairies’ Cook, was published in the 1980s, a story she had written in her childhood. This charming tale of a rabbit living in a magical world set the tone for Barber's future works, often featuring whimsical creatures and enchanting landscapes.
In a 2008 interview with The Age, Barber revealed her lifelong belief in fairies and the importance of imagination in children's lives.
'I think some people perceive energies which they actually see as fairies and elves,' she said.
'(When I was a child) I saw fairies go by my window.'
'I didn't go off to sleep easily and I thought I saw in the twilight this flight of fairies.'
Brolly Books expressed their sorrow at Barber's passing, stating, 'Shirley brought great joy to millions around the globe with her gentle stories and magnificent artwork, unmatched in our view in the level of detail, beauty, and skilled execution.
‘It has been a great honour to work with Shirley and to bear witness to her genius.
‘May she rest in peace.'
As we remember Shirley Barber, let's also celebrate the joy and wonder she brought to millions of children worldwide. Her stories will continue to inspire, entertain, and educate future generations, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Do you have a favourite Shirley Barber book or memory? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Known for her enchanting fairy tales and the beloved character Martha B. Rabbit, Barber's legacy will continue to inspire young readers for generations to come.
Born into a family of artists, Barber's talent for storytelling and illustration was evident from a young age.
Barber was born in the Channel Islands, which are British Overseas territories. She moved to Watsonia, North Melbourne, with her family in 1965, where she continued to create her magical worlds.
Children’s author and illustrator Shirley Barber passed away in her sleep at 88. Credit: Goodreads
Despite never receiving formal art training, her vivid imagination and innate artistic ability led her to create 30 original books, which were some of the most cherished children's books of our time.
Her publisher, Brolly Books, announced her passing on Tuesday morning, leaving millions of fans worldwide to mourn the loss of this literary icon.
'In each of Shirley's children's books, there are gentle messages of kindness, caring, friendship, and peace, never overstated but simply conveyed by the characters in her stories and their actions,' Brolly Books said in a statement.
Her books, including the popular titles Rainbow Magic and A Visit to Fairyland, have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, a testament to her universal appeal.
Her first book, Martha B. Rabbit: The Fairies’ Cook, was published in the 1980s, a story she had written in her childhood. This charming tale of a rabbit living in a magical world set the tone for Barber's future works, often featuring whimsical creatures and enchanting landscapes.
In a 2008 interview with The Age, Barber revealed her lifelong belief in fairies and the importance of imagination in children's lives.
'I think some people perceive energies which they actually see as fairies and elves,' she said.
'(When I was a child) I saw fairies go by my window.'
'I didn't go off to sleep easily and I thought I saw in the twilight this flight of fairies.'
Brolly Books expressed their sorrow at Barber's passing, stating, 'Shirley brought great joy to millions around the globe with her gentle stories and magnificent artwork, unmatched in our view in the level of detail, beauty, and skilled execution.
‘It has been a great honour to work with Shirley and to bear witness to her genius.
‘May she rest in peace.'
Do you have a favourite Shirley Barber book or memory? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
