Ančka Gošnik Godec, one of Slovenia's most beloved illustrators of books for children, including the iconic Slipper Keeper Kitty, has died, aged 97, leaving behind an extensive oeuvre.

Gošnik Godec illustrated more than 100 books for children, winning a number of awards for her work at home and abroad. In 2000 she was placed on the Honour List of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).

Born in Celje in 1927, Gošnik Godec graduated in painting from the Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and went on to complete her postgraduate course in graphic arts in the class of artist Božidar Jakac (1899-1989). She also studied in Paris.

Gošnik Godec started illustrating children's magazines Ciciban, Pionir and Pionirski List before moving to children's books. Her illustrations of the Slovenian fairytales became iconic. She also worked with TV Slovenija on animated picture books.

She illustrated many Slovenian folk tales, Grimms' Fairy Tales, and books by Slovenian author Ela Peroci (1922-2001), among others.

When an animated version of Slipper Keeper Kitty, written by Peroci and illustrated by Gošnik Godec, was released on the illustrator's 97th birthday in June last year she said she was tremendously honoured.

On her 90th birthday, the publisher Mladinska Knjiga released a book of tales with her illustrations titled Zlata skledica (Golden Bowl). Many of her illustrations also feature in the legendary collection of tales Zlata Ptica (The Golden Bird), published by Mladinska Knjiga in 2011.

Last year she won the Rihard Jakopič Prize for lifetime achievement in fine arts. The judging panel noted in particular her sensitivity in depicting the Slovenian landscape and heritage in folk tales.

"I always loved my work and was happy for every well done illustration," she said at the time. A well-done illustration was always the best kind of award for her.

Her daughter Jelka Godec Schmidt is also a well-known illustrator and writer.