"Much-loved" illustrator Jane Eccles died February 27. The Bookseller reported that Macmillan Children's Books paid tribute to her, noting that Eccles earned her degree in graphic design at the Chelsea School of Art before beginning her career in illustration while working part-time for Waterstones. She went on to work in "all areas in the world of illustration" for a number of publishers in addition to Macmillan's, including Scholastic, Franklin Watts, Child's Play and A&C Black. Eccles wrote and illustrated her own book, Maxwell Monster, in 1991.
A Macmillan spokesperson said: "Her output as an illustrator showed an incredible breadth of talent, and she brought warmth and humor to every project."
Gaby Morgan, the publisher's editorial director who worked with Eccles on several titles, said: "I worked with her for 23 years and she was an incredible colleague and a good friend. She brought such life and wit to the books she illustrated and always understood what a book needed. I will miss her terribly."