Northern Ireland

Belfast-born children's author Sam McBratney was `profoundly lovely human being'

Children's author Sam McBratney died aged 77
Children's author Sam McBratney died aged 77 Children's author Sam McBratney died aged 77

AUTHOR Sam McBratney has been remembered as a "profoundly lovely human being".

The Belfast-born writer, who was best known for the children's classic Guess How Much I Love You, died yesterday aged 77.

The illustrated book tells the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they try to express their affection for each other and ends with the phrase: 'I love you to the moon and back'.

First published in 1994, it has been translated into 57 languages and sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.

A sequel, entitled Will You Be My Friend?, is due to be published on September 29.

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Mr McBratney was a teacher before becoming a full-time author and wrote more than 50 books.

Karen Lotz, managing director of Walker Books Group, said readers could "recognise his voice in a moment".

"He was an exceptionally talented wordsmith and always knew exactly what children would enjoy hearing the most," she said.

"Amazingly humble, he also was a hilarious storyteller and convivial companion. We never had better days than when he would come down from Ireland to visit the offices in London."

She added: "Our world dims with his passing, but his legacy of kindness and humour will burn bright and carry on across time and distance through his stories, which have touched the hearts of readers around the globe."

There were also many tributes to the writer on social media.

The Literacy Trust said it was "extremely sad to learn of the death of Sam McBratney, author of Guess How Much I Love You".

"The well-loved book plays a key role in our work in neonatal wards, supporting parents to bond with their child through reading. Thank you, Sam."