Bruce Degen, celebrated illustrator of The Magic School Bus series, passed away at 79 on Thursday at his Newtown, Connecticut, home after battling pancreatic cancer, his family announced, per nytimes.com. Known for his vibrant, science-filled illustrations, Degen brought Ms. Frizzle and her adventurous students to life, capturing the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Degen’s work on The Magic School Bus took young readers on extraordinary journeys, from exploring human biology to soaring through the cosmos. Collaborating with author Joanna Cole, who wrote the books’ educational yet adventurous narratives, Degen crafted an iconic visual world for the characters. Ms. Frizzle, with her fiery red hair and eccentric dresses, quickly became an enduring cultural figure, known for inspiring costumes and captivating students’ hearts with her catchphrase, “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!”
The Magic School Bus series, which sold over 95 million copies and was adapted into a popular PBS animated show, is widely celebrated for making science approachable and fun. With his pen-and-ink lines softened by watercolour, Degen’s illustrations exude a childlike wonder balanced with artistic precision. His designs gave readers relatable characters like Arnold, who humorously called Ms. Frizzle “the strangest teacher in the school.”
Beyond The Magic School Bus, Degen was also the author of Jamberry and I Gotta Draw, both of which reflect his belief in art as a medium for storytelling and joy. Remembered by family, friends, and fans, Degen’s legacy as a creator who sparked curiosity in countless young readers lives on. As Scholastic once noted, “practically every child encounters The Magic School Bus”—and it is Degen’s colourful world that invites them along for the ride.
•Featured image: Bruce Degen signing a poster at a bookstore in Minneapolis/Duane Braley/Star Tribune/Getty Images
