A scene from one of the Barbapapa books. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Bai Bing added that Taylor came to China and held a series of activities in 2012. During his meetings with Chinese readers, he showed great affection for the Chinese people, especially the children. He often hugged 3 and 4-year-old children, just like a kindly Chinese grandfather would do to his grandsons and granddaughters. He also paid a visit to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City and was amazed by the profound and extensive culture in China.

Upon hearing of his death, many Chinese netizens expressed their heartfelt condolences via Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging platform like Twitter and WeChat and said Barbapapa was an important part of their childhood memories.

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