Ian Falconer was the author and illustrator of the “Olivia” series of children’s books, as well as a set and costume designer for the theatre.
- Died: March 7, 2023 (Who else died on March 7?)
- Details of death: Died in Rowayton, Connecticut of kidney failure at the age of 63.
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Olivia and beyond
Falconer first wrote about Olivia, a young pig drawn in black and white with only red accents, as a Christmas gift for his niece. When he was given the opportunity to pitch a children’s book to Simon & Schuster, where he was discovered while illustrating covers for the New Yorker, he wanted only to have the chance to publish Olivia. His book debut was 2000’s “Olivia,” followed by 11 other Olivia books. Falconer won awards including the Caldecott Honor and a Children’s Choice Book Award for his work with Olivia. The book series was adapted into a TV show on Nickelodeon, inspiring several tie-in books that were not written by Falconer. He also designed sets and costumes for stage plays including “The Santaland Diaries,” “Firebird,” and “The Nutcracker.” Falconer continued to draw beloved covers for the New Yorker.
Notable quote
“I never underestimate children: they’re built to sort things out, figure things out, make sense of things.” —from a 2012 interview for Publisher’s Weekly
Tributes to Ian Falconer
Full obituary: NPR
