Tributes paid to children’s author Malaika Rose Stanley

Children’s author Malaika Rose Stanley, known as Ros, has died after a long struggle with cancer, aged 65.

Stanley’s publisher, Verna Wilkins, founder of Tamarind, said: “I met Ros many years ago and from our earliest meetings, I learned that she was hugely creative, generous, very reliable and good fun.  At that time, I was struggling to make a go of Tamarind Publishing.  Ros was supportive and very aware of what was needed. She gave us stories which enabled us to publish beautiful picture books for children. Her writing was infused with feeling and great humour and greatly enhanced the list. Ros’s work will continue to light up young lives well into the future.”

Her published books include Baby Ruby Bawled, Spike and Ali Enson and Skin Deep, all published by Tamarind/Random House, and she was a mentor for the British Council Crossing Borders Scheme. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a teacher in Zambia, Uganda, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.

Stanley’s agent, Catherine Pellegrino at Marjacq Scripts said: “Ros was an extraordinary woman and one of the most joyous people I have had the pleasure to meet.  Her books have been described as topical, engaging and full of warmth and humour which perfectly reflects the person she was. It was a privilege to have known and worked with Ros and the world is a duller place without her”.