Alan Gilderdale (1924 – 2013) - message from Scholastic New Zealand

 Scholastic is very saddened by the news that Alan Gilderdale, illustrator of the Little Yellow Digger, has passed away, aged 89.

Since the first book was published in 1993, the Little Yellow Digger has grown into a series with over 400,000 copies in print, and has become iconic in New Zealand children’s literature. The books have been loved by generations of New Zealanders, and their regular appearance in the bestseller lists confirms their status as enduring favourites.

Written by Alan’s wife and New Zealand children’s literature expert, Betty, the story about a digger in the next door garden getting stuck in the rain has become an iconic New Zealand children’s book that celebrated its 20^th anniversary last year, where Betty reminisced about how her professionally trained artist husband was initially reluctant to illustrate a children’s book (especially one featuring a digger) and how he eventually gave in … and that he went on to draw many more diggers since then.

Alan’s talent as an artist, his steadfast commitment to his work, and his professionalism contributed to the timeless and endearing quality of the Little Yellow Digger books. His thoughtful and considered approach, with a sense of humour thrown in, made him a real pleasure to work with.

Everyone at Scholastic extends their deepest sympathy to Betty, and to the rest of the Gilderdale family, at this time.