German author and illustrator Janosch has died at the age of 95, according to Deutschlandfunk. The broadcaster reported his death on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and led its coverage with the title of the work that made him famous: "Oh, How Beautiful Is Panama."
Janosch was widely known for that children's book, which German outlets including WDR and tagesschau.de also cited in their headlines on his death. Beyond that best-known title, the reports describe a long career as both a writer and an illustrator. Spiegel, in its obituary, characterized him as someone who refused to be bound by anything — including reality itself. Tagesschau framed its tribute around the idea of the good fortune in being a little different.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier paid tribute to the late children's book author, Deutschlandfunk reported separately. The broadcaster did not, in the material available, provide the wording of Steinmeier's statement.
The coverage from across German media — public broadcasters, the newsweekly Spiegel and others — points to a figure who left a mark well beyond a single book. Details of his life and the circumstances of his death were not included in the reporting summarized here.
Watch for further statements from German cultural figures and publishers, and for any announcement regarding memorial arrangements, as outlets continue to publish tributes.
