Hudson Talbott, beloved author and illustrator of over thirty books for young readers, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Talbott was renowned for his captivating storytelling and vibrant illustrations that brought joy and inspiration to countless young readers. Hudson began his career in New York as a free-lance designer/illustrator, commissioned by The Metropolitan Museum, The Metropolitan Opera, Bloomingdale's, and the Museum of Modern Art among others. Hudson created his first children's book for the Museum of Modern Art, called How to Show Grown-Ups the Museum.

His notable works include We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (Crown Publishing Group), which was adapted into a feature-length animated film by Stephen Spielberg, and an illustrated adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Talbott also wrote and illustrated Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American Art and River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River – both about the beloved Hudson Valley where he lived most of his adult life, and O’Sullivan Stew, From Wolf to Woof, United Tweets of America, and It's All About Me-ow. He has also illustrated numerous picture books, including Newbery Honor winner Show Way (by Jacqueline Woodson) and Leonardo's Horse (by Jean Fritz), an ALA Notable and VOYA Honor Book (all Putnam.) Hudson’s most recent picture book, A Walk in the Words (Nancy Paulsen Books), was a Schneider Family Honor Book. It tells the story of his struggles with reading and how his love for art and stories kept him moving at his own pace. It features his signature dynamic art and celebrates how we all learn differently. Talbott’s final book, The Next Shiny Object, is set to publish in August 2026.

Nancy Paulsen, Hudson’s longtime editor at Putnam and Nancy Paulsen Books, says: “Hudson was a great artist, author, and friend…Hudson was interested in everything, history, geography, animals, and the human psyche…His artwork helped us all see things differently, and his most recent book, A Walk in the Words, helped children feel less overwhelmed by learning differences. Hudson’s forthcoming title, The Next Shiny Object about his experiences with his roaming attention, portrays the challenges as well as the benefits of having an overactive imagination…his spirit – and his books – will live on and continue to inspire.”

The community of Catskill, New York, where Hudson lived most of his adult life, mourns an energetic champion. In the more than 35 years that he lived in the Hudson Valley, Hudson served on the Catskill Tree Council, the Catskill Local Development Corporation, the Catskill Community Center, The Bird, Tree and Garden Club and helped create Catskill’s annual Winter Solstice event. He was a founding Trustee of the Thomas Cole Historic Site, and he spearheaded the planting of trees along Catskill’s Main Street so that every Spring, the Village comes to life with their beauty.

Hudson is survived by his partner of fourteen years, Jay Lesenger, as well as his sister Betty (David) Stallard, his brothers James (Gay) Talbott and Peyton Talbott and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his partner of many years, Rudie Berkhout.

A celebration of Hudson’s life and work is planned for this May at the Thomas Cole Historic Site, Catskill, NY.

Funeral arrangements under the care of Robert Gaus of Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, Catskill.