Denton’s family paid tribute in a statement released through his publisher, noting his global impact on young readers. The statement echoed the sentiments of his long-time creative partner, author Andy Griffiths, who described working with Denton over three decades as ‘an honour and a pure delight’.
‘I’ll miss him forever, but he’s at peace now,’ Griffiths said. ‘I’m incredibly grateful for his legacy, that we were able to get so much out to the children of Australia and the world.’
Denton and Griffiths first joined forces in the 1990s, creating the enormously popular Treehouse series, beginning with The 13-Storey Treehouse. The books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, and The 78-Storey Treehouse became the fastest-selling book in Australian history upon its release in 2016. Denton also created the Gasp! series, which was later adapted for television.
Griffiths reflected on their creative partnership, noting that while their book characters often clashed, in real life the relationship was harmonious. ‘We were quite different in many ways. It’s that difference that makes a creative partnership work … it was a match made in heaven,’ he said.
‘We would supercharge each other. I would create a structure and he’d come in and throw a spanner in the works. We would play with words, play with pictures, play with ideas.’
Born and raised in Melbourne, Denton was the second youngest of five boys. Before meeting Griffiths, he had already illustrated nearly 30 books. He won several major awards, including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award in 1986 for Felix and Alexander.
No cause of death was given, but Denton had been in poor health in recent years. Griffiths said that as Denton’s health declined, he spent his time with family, and the two had not seen each other for several years. ‘We always joked that we would go to 13 books with the Treehouse series, and after we finished number 13, the end came.’
Denton is survived by his wife Kristen, his children Imogen, Eve and Max, and his grandchildren Georgia, Lucy, Charlie, Alfie and Felix.