Bruce Degen, celebrated illustrator of The Magic School Bus series, passed away at 79 on Thursday at his Newtown, Connecticut, home after battling pancreatic cancer, his family announced, per nytimes.com. Known for his vibrant, science-filled illustrations, Degen brought Ms. Frizzle and her adventurous students to life, capturing the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Degens work on The Magic School Bus took young readers on extraordinary journeys, from exploring human biology to soaring through the cosmos. Collaborating with author Joanna Cole, who wrote the books educational yet adventurous narratives, Degen crafted an iconic visual world for the characters. Ms. Frizzle, with her fiery red hair and eccentric dresses, quickly became an enduring cultural figure, known for inspiring costumes and captivating students hearts with her catchphrase, Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!