The writer and painter Janosch has passed away at the age of 95 on Tuesday.
Janosch became widely known for his illustrated children’s books, most notably works like “Oh, wie schön ist Panama,” which featured main characters such as the Tiger and Bear, but also characters like Günter Kastenfrosch and the Tiger Duck. Less widely known, however, were his numerous books aimed at adults, in which he reflected on serious themes, chronicled his difficult youth in modern-day Poland, and explored his troubled relationship with his violent father.
In 2013, Janosch made a noticeable comeback with the character Wondrak, which was also directed at adults and gained some recognition through a sustained appearance in the “Zeit Magazin”.
He was also known for his criticism of religions, in particular the Catholic Church, to which he belonged as a child. Previously, Bavarian Minister-President Edmund Stoiber (CSU) demanded that Janosch should not be allowed to bring “access to our children’s rooms” with his anti-religious drawings and commentary.
Janosch has lived on Tenerife for decades and, according to official statements, he leaves no children behind.
