Raymond Briggs, the British author and illustrator celebrated for picture books such as "The Snowman," has died aged 88.

Briggs' family said through his publisher that he died on Tuesday morning.

"The Snowman," published in 1978, is a story about a boy whose snowman comes to life for one night.

The book became a global hit, selling more than 5.5 million copies, and was adapted into an animated film for television.

Briggs was born in London in 1934. After studying art at school, he embarked on a career as an author-illustrator of picture books, mainly for children.

He was inspired by his experience of World War Two to create works depicting the horrors of war. One of his most famous books, "When the Wind Blows," is a story about a nuclear attack from the perspective of a retired couple.

Briggs' family said in a statement, "We know that Raymond's books were loved by and touched millions of people around the world, who will be sad to hear this news."