Dee McDermott, Acclaimed Children’s Book Publisher, Dies at 60

McDermott spent most of her professional life at Walker Books in London, a leading publisher of children's literature, where she served as an associate director. She was passionate about the integrity of children's books, stating a year before her death, “The integrity of a book – because it’s for the smallest of children – it’s really important to me.”

During her nearly four decades at Walker, McDermott collaborated with numerous talented writers and illustrators, contributing to several award-winning titles. Under her leadership, Walker Books won the Carnegie Medal for Illustration six times, and she also played a crucial role in works that received accolades such as the Klaus Flugge Prize and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Recently, the book *Oh Dear, Look What I Got!* earned the Children’s Nonfiction and Illustrated category award at the British Book Awards.

With a firm belief in excellence, McDermott emphasized that mediocrity was unacceptable. She was born to Liam McDermott, a primary school headmaster, and Carmel (née Brady), a bookkeeper. She attended Loreto College and later the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, graduating in 1988 before embarking on a career that included stints in the United States and Canada and as an exhibition designer, though she later admitted to struggling in that role.

Joining Walker Books as a junior paperback designer during a period of creative expansion, McDermott quickly honed her skills under the mentorship of notable figures, including art director Amelia Edwards. She contributed to iconic titles, including the bestselling *Owl Babies*, which has sold over 6.2 million copies.

In 2002, she became publisher and led a team of editors and designers, fostering an environment similar to the one where she had thrived. Her emphasis on collaboration, emotional honesty in storytelling, and the importance of visual storytelling set her apart in the industry, noted Maria Tunney, Walker’s picture book editorial director.

McDermott’s keen eye for talent helped her discover new artists, such as Flavia Z Drago, whose debut became a bestseller, and Chloe Savage, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2024. In recognition of her industry impact, she was appointed to the board of the Association of Illustrators in the UK in 2018.

Beyond publishing, McDermott cherished her roots, remaining connected to her Irish heritage through music and literature. She played a significant role in establishing Walker Éireann, a publishing initiative aimed at celebrating Irish storytelling. Following her cancer diagnosis in her 40s, she maintained clarity about her work's significance, stating, “I only want to do things that matter. And these books matter.”

McDermott is survived by her husband, Tony Maronie; her father, Liam; her siblings, Rónán, Sean, and Orla; and her nieces and nephews.