Beloved children's author Shirley Barber dies at 88

Beloved children's author and illustrator Shirley Barber has died at age 88.

Barber died peacefully in her sleep this morning, her publisher Brolly Books has announced.

She was the name behind the widely popular Martha B. Rabbit and Fairies' Cook series, which propelled her to fame.

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In total, she authored more than 30 original picture books, inspiring spin-off products including jigsaws, clothing and stickers.

Her fairy books, diaries and calendars have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

"In each of Shirley's children's books there are gentle messages of kindness, caring, friendship, and peace, never overstated but simply conveyed by the characters in her stories and their actions," Brolly Books said in a statement.

Barber, who never received formal art training, came from a family of artists and enjoyed illustrating throughout her life.

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She delved into fantasy worlds, which she said was an important place for children to escape to, during an interview with The Age in 2008.

She then admitted to believing in fairies herself.

"I think some people perceive energies which they actually see as fairies and elves," she said at the time.

"(When I was a child) I saw fairies go by my window.

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"I didn't go off to sleep easily and I thought I saw in the twilight this flight of fairies."

Barber grew up in the Channel Islands, owned by the United Kingdom, before relocating to Australia in 1965.

She lived with her family in Watsonia in Melbourne, where she continued her work.