Obituary Note: Tomi Ungerer

Renowned French author and illustrator Tomi Ungerer, whose "works ranged from children's books to erotic drawings and political posters" and who was "a lifelong activist who protested against racial segregation, the Vietnam war and the election of U.S. President Donald Trump," died February 9, AFP reported (via France24). He was 87. Ungerer published more than 140 books, which have been translated into 30 languages. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by France in 1990 and was elevated to Commander of the Legion of Honor in 2018.

Robert Walter, his former longtime adviser and a friend for 35 years, described him as "an all-round genius, a man who was talented in everything. He loved literature. He used to say 'I write about what I draw and I draw what I write.' "

Ungerer's "oeuvre ranged from globally celebrated children's books like The Three Robbers and The Moon Man to erotic drawings as well as satirical paintings and political posters. He wrote in three languages: English, French and German," AFP noted.

In 1956, Ungerer left for New York City "with $60 dollars in his pocket and what he later described as a 'trunk full of drawings and manuscripts,' " AFP wrote. The following year, after meeting children's book editor Ursula Nordstrom at Harper & Row, his first children's book, The Mellops Go Flying, "was published and became an immediate success."

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