Dick Bruna Has Died At Age 89

Dutch author and illustrator Dick Bruna passed away on February 16, his publisher announced late last week.

CBC reports that Bruna’s longtime friend said the artist died “peacefully in his sleep.”

Perhaps best known for Miffy (“Nijntje” in the original Dutch), Bruna wrote and illustrated 124 books.

“For a book of 12 pictures I make at least a hundred,” Bruna said (via The Guardian), describing how he worked.

Bruna’s art and books are loved all over the world. On the day I found out about his passing, my wife came home with a Dick Bruna elephant bento box for our youngest son here in Japan, where he has an especially large fan base.

Bruna will be missed, but his illustrations will continue to inspire, influence and delight.