Remembering Jean Van Leeuwen: Beloved ‘Oliver and Amanda Pig’ Author Passes Away at 87

Jean Van Leeuwen, a beloved children’s author, passed away at 87 on March 3 at her home in Chappaqua, NY. Known for her charming stories featuring characters like Oliver and Amanda Pig, she left a lasting impact on young readers everywhere. Her daughter, Elizabeth Gavril, shared that the cause of death was cancer.

Van Leeuwen published 20 books in the Oliver and Amanda Pig series, where the adventures of these sibling pigs captivated children’s imaginations. One notable title, Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day, won the American Library Association’s Theodor Seuss Geisel Award in 2006. This story highlights Amanda’s struggle to cope with the summer heat, offering both humor and relatable challenges for young readers.

In a touching reflection on her mother’s work, Gavril mentioned how many stories were inspired by their own childhood experiences. For example, Tales of Amanda Pig features a story about Amanda who stubbornly stares at her uneaten egg, mirroring her own family’s mealtime dynamics.

Beyond her delightful pig tales, Van Leeuwen wrote over 60 books, some of which sold millions of copies worldwide. The Great Cheese Conspiracy, introduced young readers to Marvin the Magnificent, a mischievous mouse. This popular tale was even adapted into an animated film in 1986.

Van Leeuwen’s roots trace back to Glenridge, NJ. She studied magazine journalism at Syracuse University and began her career as an editor before transitioning to writing. She often wrote during her children’s naptimes, creating stories that would entertain countless kids.

While she was modest about her achievements, her influence reached far and wide. Children’s author Roni Schotter praised her as a "wise, humorous, and wonderful writer." Moreover, Van Leeuwen volunteered at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, connecting with students not just as an author but as a community figure.

Children’s literature has a profound way of shaping young minds, and Jean Van Leeuwen was a master at crafting stories that resonated with their struggles and joys. Her legacy will continue to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike. For more about her works, visit Penguin Random House.

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