Beloved children's book writer Eric Hill has died, aged 86.

Best known for the Spot The Dog series, Hill passed away at his home in California following a brief illness.

Eric Hill's beloved character, Spot the Dog.

"Although this time of loss is a great hardship for us, we can honestly say that we take some solace in the joy he brought to so many children and families through his work," his family said in a statement released on Wednesday (Australian time).

"We know Spot, and therefore Eric, has had a beloved presence in so many homes and bedtime readings. And we know we share our grief with many."