# Renowned German Children's Author Janosch Dies at 95 The creator of the iconic Tiger and Bear characters passes away in Tenerife. - **Source:** [DW – Culture](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/88d214e5-e6d5-4bf8-8f5e-3577e72384d8 ## Literary Icon Passes Away Janosch, the celebrated German author and illustrator born Horst Eckert, has died at the age of 95. His publisher, Bernhard Feil, confirmed the news on Wednesday. Known for his warm humor and iconic animal characters, he spent his later years living a modest life on the Canary Island of Tenerife with his wife. ## From Rejection to Success Born in 1931 in Hindenburg, Eckert faced early professional setbacks, including dismissal from Munich's Academy of Art in 1953 for alleged lack of talent. Undeterred, he pursued a freelance career and published his first children's book in 1960. He eventually authored over 150 books, which have been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide. ## The Panama Breakthrough His 1979 masterpiece, 'The Trip to Panama,' earned him the German Youth Book Prize and brought him international fame. The story follows a tiger and a bear searching for paradise, only to realize their journey was the destination. This success provided the financial stability that allowed him to relocate to Tenerife in 1980. ## Themes of Friendship Janosch’s stories often featured endearing but imperfect characters who engaged in nonsense and minor deceptions. Despite these flaws, his narratives consistently prioritized themes of friendship and solidarity. His watercolor illustrations, featuring characters like the Tiger-Duck, became a staple of children's literature, appearing on everything from postage stamps to airplanes and various merchandise. ## Overcoming Childhood Trauma His cheerful children's books contrasted sharply with his own difficult upbringing, marked by an alcoholic father and physical abuse. Raised in a strict Catholic environment, he struggled with these memories throughout his life. He chose not to have children of his own, often expressing a complex, divided relationship with the Catholic Church and religious authority. ## Beyond Children's Literature While primarily famous for his children's works, Janosch also wrote books for adults reflecting on his childhood. Later in life, he maintained an active public presence, writing a column for the weekly newspaper Die Zeit from 2013 to 2019. These columns, written as the character Mr. Wondrak, offered his unique commentary on global affairs. ## Philosophy of Simplicity Janosch was known for his modest lifestyle, often stating that he enjoyed doing nothing in his hammock more than anything else. He lived by the philosophy that those who need almost nothing possess everything. This minimalist approach to life mirrored the simple, profound wisdom found within his most beloved stories and animal protagonists. ## Enduring Cultural Legacy Janosch leaves behind a vast body of work that has influenced generations of readers globally. His characters, particularly the Tiger-Duck, remain cultural touchstones in Germany and beyond. Through his extensive bibliography and film adaptations, his legacy as a storyteller who championed kindness and simplicity will continue to resonate with readers of all ages. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-celebrated-children-s-author-janosch-has-died/a-79851600?maca=en-rss-en-cul-2090-rdf — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._