Tributes have been paid to Jonny Zucker, the award-winning children's author, who has died, aged 49.

Mr Zucker, who wrote more than 50 books, worked as a teacher and also performed stand-up comedy, before turning to writing full-time.

He was a fierce advocate of the importance of reading and creative writing, especially for boys, and held countless writing workshops for young students, visiting schools and inspiring pupils.

Books written by the father of three included the Richard and Judy-selected Monster Swap series, the Striker Boy series, and the Fleatectives series, as well as a range which detailed different religions, festivals and cultures.

"I've known Jonny Zucker since we were teenagers at Habonim and he was always the most talented in the room - funny, charismatic, a great mimic and wonderful storyteller," said Jonny Geller, CEO of Curtis Brown, which represented Mr Zucker.

Maurice Lyon, formerly Mr Zucker's editor at Frances Lincoln Children's Books added: "He never failed to make me laugh and astonish me with the prodigality of his story ideas - he once pitched 10 ideas at me in one meeting."