Gilbert Delahaye, Marcel Marlier ​

Gilbert Delahaye and Marcel Marlier were Belgian authors and illustrators, most famous for their creation of the celebrated character Martine, a young girl who lives various adventures. Their books have been translated into several languages and remain popular across generations.

Quick Facts ​

• Most known for creating the character Martine.
• Their collaborative work led to the creation of 60 books for children.
• The series sold more than 100 million copies globally.
• Received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for their enduring contributions to children's literature.
• Their books were translated into many languages around the world.
• Marcel Marlier, the illustrator of the series, is celebrated for his detailed and realistic drawing style.

Background ​

Delahaye was born in 1923 in Tournai, Belgium. At an early age, he showed a keen talent in telling stories and writing them down, which later resulted in his becoming an author and poet. His most famous collaboration was with Marcel Marlier - they worked together for almost 40 years on the popular children’s series “Martine”. The series centres around a thin, blond-haired girl who is shown in various jobs and adventures. In 2003, after a career spanning five decades, Delahaye passed away.

Marlier was born in 1930 in Herseaux, Belgium. As a child, he was a budding artist and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium. It was in the 1950s when he met Gilbert Delahaye - their collaboration on the “Martine” series, for which Marlier served as illustrator, spanned nearly 60 novels that have been translated into dozens of languages. Known for his keen attention to detail and his ability to bring characters to life through art, Marlier’s drawings played a significant role in the success of the series. He passed away in 2011.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Delahaye and Marlier's writing styles involve detailed, methodical storytelling with intriguing characters. Their work is aimed primarily at children, featuring the heroine Martine experiencing various simple but exciting adventures. Marlier's beautiful illustrations, partnered with Delahaye's simple, engaging narratives, have made the Martine series a beloved part of children's literature in many parts of the world. Their work has not only influenced children's literature but also boosted the importance of visual storytelling in books.

Notable Works ​

• Martine series (1954-2010)