Treehouse illustrator Terry Denton dies aged 76

Famed children’s book illustrator and author Terry Denton has died, aged 76.

Denton, who was best known for the Treehouse books co-written with Andy Griffiths and his Gasp! series, died surrounded by his family on Monday.

“Dad gave joy to millions of children around the world and after all those stories and all those lives he touched, he always came home to us,” loved ones said a statement, issued by literary agency Curtis Brown.

“We are so grateful that his stories will continue to live on, bringing wonder, laughter and comfort to generations yet to come — and most especially to his beloved grandchildren, who will grow up knowing him through the magic he left behind.”

Pan Macmillan Australia deputy publishing director Claire Craig said Denton was an “icon” known across Australia as “prodigiously talented, truly delightful and very funny”.

“Terry’s books will keep making kids laugh and laugh, and turn the pages with glee, for so many years to come,” Craig said.

Griffiths said it been an “honour and a pure delight” to have worked with Denton.

“I’ve never laughed so hard as I did when working with him, whether in the writing room or on stage. He was a true clown and much beloved — both in real life and as a character in the Treehouse series,” he said.