Heartbreak as beloved Aussie children's author Terry Denton dies aged 76: 'It's like a piece of Australia's childhood has gone'

Terry Denton, the beloved Australian author behind the Treehouse series, has died at the age of 76. 

The celebrated children's writer and illustrator passed away on Monday, surrounded by his family, who confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media.   

'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,' the statement read. 

'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.'

Denton is survived by his wife, Kristen, as well as his children Max, Imogen and Eve. 

 He also leaves behind his grandchildren Georgia, Lucy, Charlie, Alfie and Felix. 

In a further social media post, his publisher, Pan Macmillan Australia, called Denton  'an icon of children's books'. 

'Terry Denton is an icon of children's books, known across the country as prodigiously talented, truly delightful and very funny,' wrote Claire Craig, Deputy Publishing Director at Pan Macmillan Australia.

'Everyone at Pan Macmillan Australia loved working with Terry, marvelling at his extraordinary imagination and joyful humour. 

'Terry's books will keep making kids laugh and laugh, and turn the pages with glee, for so many years to come.' 

Denton's longtime collaborator, fellow Australian author Andy Griffiths, also had kind words for his good friend, who he said he will 'miss greatly'.

'I've never laughed so hard as I did when working with him, whether in the writing room or on stage,' he said.

'He was a true clown and much beloved - both in real life and as a character in the Treehouse series.'

Denton and Griffiths created the internationally successful Treehouse series, a collection of 13 books. 

It sold 13 million copies in English alone, but was also translated into 35 languages. 

His other best-selling books include the 'Just!' series, created with Andy Griffiths, Wombat & Fox: Tales of the City, and Gasp!, which was later made into an animated series. 

There was heartbreak from Denton's friends and fans, who shared their thoughts on social media. 

'It's like a piece of Australia's childhood has gone. RIP,' wrote one person on Instagram, while another said, 'So very sorry to hear this. 

'Terry has been a local treasure for so many years bringing fun and the love of curiosity to so many.'

Another person wrote: 'Vale Terry Denton, one of the true geniuses of children's lit in Australia and one of the sweetest human beings in our industry.'

One more said: 'Legend gets thrown around a lot but Terry was a true legend, and not just because of his books. 

'He was one of the smartest, funniest, silliest, most generous and welcoming people you could ever meet.'

'Terry, your zest for life, and talent for storytelling through words and illustrations will stay with us for generations to come,' someone else said.