In Memoriam: Sjoerd Kuyper
24 September 2026
The Dutch Foundation for Literature received the sad news yesterday that Dutch Children’s Books Author Sjoerd Kuyper has passed away at the age of 74. Kuyper was one of the most important voices in Dutch children’s and young adult literature. With support from the Foundation, his work has been translated into more than fifteen languages, including English, French, Korean and Turkish. In 2014, he he was appointed Officer in the Orde van Oranje-Nassau for his merits in Dutch literature at home and abroad.
Sjoerd Kuyper (b. 1952) made his writing debut in 1974 with a collection of poems for adults. He wrote various stories for television, among them 'Majesteit, Uw ontbijt' (‘Your Breakfast, Sire’) and 'Het zakmes' (‘The Pocket Knife’) which was also filmed and received fourteen awards, among them an Emmy.
In 1994 he won a Zilveren Griffel for Robin en Suze (‘Robin And Suze’), in 1995 he won another for Het eiland Klaasje (‘The Isle of Klaasje’). In 2012 he was awarded the Theo Thijssen Prize for his oeuvre. Kuyper wrote in a style that was poetic, clear and vivid and entered with ease into the emotional world of young children.
His books were regularly included in the foundations Children’s Books selections and subsequently received Translation Grants. As a result, children all over the world were introduced to his work. One of Kuyper’s final books was The Great Flood, a story set in the future. It follows Moos, his grandfather Leon and their friends as they hope to survive on Atlantis, the only mountain that remains above water after the flood.
The Dutch Foundation for Literature extends its deepest sympathies to Sjoerd Kuyper’s family and loved ones and wishes them strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Books by Sjoerd Kuyper
The Great Flood
Fourteen-year-old Moos wakes up to find Leon, his foster grandfather, sailing into his room, complete with his bed. The world has been engulfed by a devastating flood. Fortunately, Moos is prepared: a raft carrying his grandpa’s old Buick and sufficient food and tobacco for Grandpa proves to be a lifesaver, and a frantic adventure ensues, full of social criticism.
The Dive
For this work of magical realism, Sjoerd Kuyper found inspiration on the island of Curaçao. He organised his thoughts in emails to his children, with songs, a monologue, a newspaper article. That was how the form of the book came about: ‘a love letter to the island of Curaçao, in 25 genres,’ as one reviewer wrote.
Bizarre
‘Every person is a story that in no way resembles the story of anyone else. By reading, you find out what other people think.’ Taking this idea as a starting point, Sjoerd Kuyper has written 'Bizarre', a unique diary adventure packed with beautiful sentences and important thoughts and in which the truth is at stake. In addition, through his unforgettable protagonist, he incidentally raises all kinds of major social issues.