Andersen Press vows at memorial event to spread McKee’s messages of acceptance and friendship

Andersen Press has vowed to do everything it can to spread its late author David McKee’s “messages of acceptance, friendship and love far and wide”. 

The prolific children’s author, who created classics like Elmer and Mr Benn, passed away in April this year at the age of 87.

Speaking at his memorial service at Olympic Studios in Barnes, west London, on 27th September, where the music for the “Mr Benn” TV series was recorded, Charlie Sheppard, publishing director, said: “Andersen Press has been David’s proud publisher for more than 45 years and we will continue to be so, introducing children and families, day after day, year after year, to his incredible books. We vow to do everything we can to continue spreading David’s messages of acceptance, friendship and love far and wide. Because they weren’t just messages, they were rules for the way he lived his life. He offered every single one of us at Andersen and beyond, acceptance, friendship and love.” 

She added: “He was modest and kind, thoughtful and patient, funny and warm and also talented. Working with David was always a wonderful experience for everyone lucky enough to be involved. There are few authors and illustrators as hardworking as David was, making at least one book every year for half a century. We will all miss him coming in every October with that twinkly smile and that lilting voice as he delivered the beautiful artwork for a new book after so many thoughtful and collaborative conversations while writing the story. He was quite simply a genius and the world of children’s books is poorer without him. Elmer continues to be Andersen’s bestselling book, year in, year out, and we estimate we have sold 10 million copies of David’s series globally. Elmer is now translated into more than 60 languages around the world.” 

Throughout the event friends and colleagues shared their memories of McKee, frequently reading from beautifully illustrated letters he had sent them. Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press, said: “He was my best friend, no doubt about it. And I miss him almost every day. It’s fantastic to see all these people here.” He also confirmed Andersen Press would ensure McKee’s works are kept in print. 

Clive Juster, who set up King Rollo Films, one of the UK’s first independent children’s animation production houses, alongside McKee and Leo Nielsen, led the event. “The books will live on of course, that’s a marvellous thing. All the work that David created, it’s just going to go on for many years” he said. 

Colleagues revealed a Mr Benn live action movie is in development as well as a CGI-animated series of Elmer in 3D. Andersen Press is also looking ahead to the 35th anniversary of Elmer in 2024. “Through this we will be looking at new ways to celebrate and publish David’s iconic work,” said Paul Black, publicity and brand director. “With all of this activity we hope to spread the message of joy and acceptance David threads through all of his books and continue his legacy for many more years to come.”