It’s at times like these, that I feel my childhood is slowly starting to truly end. Eric Hill, the man behind the beloved Spot the Dog series, has died at the age of 86. He passed away at his home in California, following a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his publisher, Puffin.
Spot was one of the world’s most famous children’s literature characters. The books about the mischievous little yellow puppy with a spot on his back are a fixture in many children’s book collections. Where’s Spot? was the first book in the series, and was published in 1980. Several more books followed after, including Spot’s Birthday Party, Spot Goes to School, Spot Goes to the Farm, and Spot Loves His Friends. At one point, Eric described Spot as his buddy, and that he loved the character. Book sales have topped over 60 million around the world, and there has even been an animated show revolving around Spot. There is also an annual Spot stage show!
In 2008, Eric was awarded an O.B.E. in the 2008 New Year’s Honours List. This was awarded to him for his services to children’s literature. To commemorate The Queen’s 80th birthday, Eric was chosen as a literary ambassador and was invited to The Children’s Party at the Palace. Eric’s lovely books will always be remembered for their gentle, playful and fun stories, and they will surely live on, in our memories and book collections.
Were you a Spot fan growing up? If you could say one thing to Eric Hill now, what would it be?
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