Bruce Degen, the beloved illustrator renowned for his work on the celebrated children’s book series The Magic School Bus, has passed away at the age of 79. Degen, who died on November 7 at his home in Newtown, Connecticut, succumbed to pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by his family. His artistic legacy continues to resonate with countless fans of children’s literature.
Born on June 14, 1945, Degen grew up in Brooklyn, New York, displaying artistic tendencies from a young age. He attended the High School of Art & Music, now LaGuardia High School, and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Cooper Union and his master’s degree from Pratt Institute. Initially, Degen worked as an art teacher, but his passion for storytelling through illustrations led him down the path of children’s books.
Reflecting on his artistic inspirations, Degen once expressed, "I was in art school doing very serious art, and I didn’t know what I was going to do. I said to myself, 'Why did I do art in the first place?' It was fun. And I realized, deep down, I wanted to do children’s books because they could be funny and beautiful.” This realization marked the beginning of his prolific career.
Degen’s first notable book, Aunt Possum and the Pumpkin Man, was published in 1977, marking the beginning of his illustrious career where he would go on to create over 40 children’s books. His storytelling hallmark was evident when he penned the enchanting Jamberry—a whimsical tale featuring the delightful adventures of a bear and his young companion picking berries.
Perhaps Degen’s most enduring work, The Magic School Bus, began when he collaborated with author Joanna Cole. Scholastic paired them for the first book, The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks, published in 1986, and it quickly became a cornerstone of children’s scientific literature. The series features the eccentric Ms. Frizzle taking her students on wild educational adventures within the confines of her magical bus, exploring topics from biology to astronomy. Degen’s illustrations brought these lessons to life with humor and detailed artistry, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young readers.
"Truthfully, it was darn hard work. All the research, struggling to juggle various components, and countless rewrites. But working all those years with Joanna, what more could you ask for?" Degen recounted, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their partnership.
The Magic School Bus series has sold over 95 million copies worldwide, translated and enjoyed by children in more than 13 countries. Its popularity led to adaptations, including the animated PBS series which aired from 1994 to 1997, featuring the voice of actress Lily Tomlin as Ms. Frizzle, and the Netflix reboot, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, which ran from 2017 to 2021.
Degen's artistry touched not only the hearts of children but also sparked interest and love for science among young audiences. His legacy as both educator and artist was recognized fondly by peers and fans alike.
“Bruce Degen was one-of-a-kind. We have lost a true pioneer of children’s bookmaking,” said Phoebe Yeh, Vice President and editor at large of Crown Books for Young Readers. She shared her appreciation for Degen’s unique ability to weave humor with educational content, creating stories and characters beloved by generations.
Degen’s son, Benjamin, noted, “He just loved to teach. Every aspect of what he did was an expression of his experience.” Many recalled personal anecdotes of the influence Degen had on their careers, from teachers to scientists who grew up reading his engaging illustrations.
While Degen was best known for The Magic School Bus, his contributions to literature didn’t stop there. He also illustrated other notable works like Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? and the Commander Toad series by Jane Yolen. His illustrations were often characterized by their lively colors and playful themes, which drew children closer to books and ignited their imaginations.
Even during his final months battling pancreatic cancer, Degen remained dedicated to his art and his family. He focused on cherishing every moment, consistently promoting gratitude and appreciation for life. He is survived by his wife, Chris, and their two sons, Alex and Benjamin, both of whom pursued careers as artists.
Tributes have surged across social media, with fans honoring the artist who helped shape their childhoods. Many shared stories of reading The Magic School Bus with their families and spoke of Degen's impactful legacy on literature and education. Scholastic also offered their condolences, acknowledging his significant contributions to children’s literature.
“We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of Bruce Degen, but grateful for the amazing legacy of brilliant illustrations he left us,” said Scholastic’s president Ellie Berger.
Bruce Degen’s remarkable ability to blend art with education truly defined his career. His work has not only entertained children but also inspired generations to explore the wonders of science and the joy of reading. The lessons taught within The Magic School Bus and his other works will undoubtedly live on, continuing to engage young minds for years to come.
