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David McKee, the children's author and illustrator known for the Mr Benn series, has died at the age of 87.

The Devon-born writer, who also created Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and Not Now, Bernard, sold more than 10 million books around the world.

In a statement, his publisher Andersen Press announced the "beloved" author's death "with great sadness".

"All at Andersen Press hope his spirit lives on for many more generations through his joyful, heartfelt stories."

McKee's character Mr Benn famously wore a black suit and bowler hat and went on a series of adventures.

In each story, Mr Benn visited a fancy dress store and tried on a different outfit, before leaving the shop through a magic door and going on a journey related to his costume.

The concept was later adapted as an animated television series, originally transmitted by the ����ý in the early 1970s.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant was also made into a TV series, as well as a stage play.

McKee also illustrated books written by other authors, such as some of the later Paddington Bear books and Forrest Wilson's Super Gran.

Tributes have been paid by fans and fellow writers, including it was "very sad news".

'An astonishing legacy'

Author and illustrator McKee was "such a gentle, modest, generous man, who leaves an astonishing legacy, covering themes of acceptance & pacifism, as relevant today as ever".

: "He has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember."

that "his contributions to children's literature are such a wonderful legacy to leave behind".

Children's charity : "His books highlighted diversity & inclusivity & he will be missed."

Children's book reviewer McKee's "work, full of bold flat colour and subversive wit, is simply unforgettable", and had "enriched small readers for decades".

Australian TV personality and children's book blogger he was "a wonderfully creative man".