New Zealand's literary community has lost one of its greats.

Iconic children's author William Taylor died today in Taumarunui at the age of 77.

Mr Taylor produced a steady stream of kids' favourites across his thirty-year career, including Agnes the Sheep, Knitwits and The Worst Soccer Team Ever.

President of the New Zealand Society of Authors Kyle Mewburn has praised the impact he's had on our authors.

"He was just always noted for being generous with his time he mentored a lot of people, he was President of the Society of Authors for a long time and contributed enormously to the New Zealand literary culture."