Author of much loved children’s character books has died, aged 89

Dick Bruna, best known as the author and illustrator of Miffy, the much loved children’s character, has died at the age of 89.
The Dutch man was born in Utrecht on August 23, 1927.
During his 60 year career Dick wrote and illustrated over 120 books and designed many more posters and book covers.
His books were translated into more than 50 languages and sold more than 85 million copies worldwide.

Miffy is the English translation of Dick’s initial character Nijntje.
The character first appeared in a picture book in 1955 and is based on a story Dick first told his son after they saw a rabbit.

Miffy has featured in television series and even a movie released in 2013, not to mention the clothing and toys that have also featured her and her friends.

Dick created the images with a paintbrush throughout his career, and despite its minimalistic approach, he said it got harder and hard to get the image right.
He retired from his career in 2011, staying in his hometown.
In 2006, for Miffy’s 50th birthday, she and Dickwere honoured by the setting up of a permanent collection of the artist’s work in the Centraal Museum in Utrecht.
If you visit there you will also find a bronze statue of Miffy, made by Bruna’s son Marc.
Dick also has a son Sierk and daughter Madelon.
He died peacefully in his sleep on February 16, according to his publisher Mercis.