Jane Yolen, a prolific author of over 450 iconic children's books, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. According to People, she died on Thursday, June 11.
Her daughter, Heidi Stemple, announced the tragic news on her social media. She wrote, "It is with profound sadness that I, along with my brothers, share the news of our mother, Jane Yolen's passing."
"She has mentored, inspired, and nurtured so many authors and illustrators through her words both on the page and off. But, beyond that, she was our mother and grandmother."
She continued that they are leaving out information about her passing, as they need time to process what had happened. But she did add, "But, friends and fans alike, please know that she passed gently with no pain or stress, with my brother Adam's music filling the room and me reading Owl Moon to her one last time."
Yolen began her writing career in 1963 with Pirates in Petticoats, and has wrote a total of over 450 children's books. She was most well known for her 1988 Holocaust novella, The Devil's Arithmetic. The novella won a World Fantasy Award.
She also was awarded six honorary doctorates throughout her career. She also previously chaired the Science Fiction Writers Association.
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Tributes Have Poured In for the Legendary Author
Tributes have poured in for the beloved children's author on social media.
Many commentors realised Yolen's true literary prowess. "[She] was such an amazing person and one of the brightest lights I know," one wrote. "She's always been a model of how to balance a creative life with a real life."
Another commentor wrote, "She was truly one of the greats, and the world is a richer and better place because of her." "What an extraordinary life and what a legacy," another wrote.
Others recollected on the influence Yolen's works had on them. "[Her] words built so much of my imagination, she changed so many lives. Her impact on kidlit will resonate for generations."
This is an absolutely tragic loss for the literature community. May she rest in peace.
