Janosch

Janosch (born Horst Eckert, March 11, 1931, Zabrze, Upper Silesia, Germany, now Poland) is a German author and illustrator, best known for his children's books. He is particularly celebrated for his distinctive and whimsical drawing style and his stories that often deal with themes of friendship, courage, adventure, and the search for happiness.

His early life was marked by hardship and displacement due to World War II. After the war, he worked various jobs before pursuing artistic endeavors. He adopted the pen name "Janosch" at the suggestion of his friend and mentor, the artist Paul Maar.

Janosch's career took off in the 1960s, and he quickly became one of Germany's most popular children's authors. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have won several awards. Some of his most famous books include "The Trip to Panama" (Oh, wie schön ist Panama), "Tiger and Bear" (Tiger und Bär), and "I'll Make You Healthy, Said the Bear" (Ich mach dich gesund, sagte der Bär).

His stories often feature animal characters, like Little Tiger and Little Bear, who embark on adventures and learn valuable life lessons. Janosch's works are characterized by their simple language, humorous situations, and underlying philosophical themes. He often explores themes of overcoming fear, finding contentment, and the importance of genuine connection.

In addition to his children's books, Janosch has also written novels and plays for adults. He currently lives in Tenerife, Spain. While he no longer actively creates new works, his existing body of work continues to be widely read and enjoyed by children and adults alike. His legacy as a significant figure in children's literature remains secure.