At Booked Out, we were all saddened to learn that Illustrator Kevin Burgemeestre passed away on 25th July.

He was a delightful, engaging man and much loved by the children’s book community – and beyond. He started doing school visits for Booked Out over seventeen years ago and was always an enthusiastic, entertaining presenter.  Such a gentle and funny man, Kevin is going to be much missed by not only his family and the writers and illustrators he worked with – but also the many teachers and librarians who have come to know him over these years.

A large gathering of family and friends farewelled Kevin and many tributes were made at a moving ceremony at Dromkeen on Sunday. It was a suitable venue for someone who contributed so much to the children’s literature world.