David McKee's first book was published in 1964. His books are now published in many languages throughout the world, and several of them have been adapted for television. He is one of the leading contemporary children's book creators.

David McKee was born and brought up in South Devon, where he went from grammar school to Plymouth Art College. Whilst still at college he started selling one-off cartoons to newspapers and on graduation, he began to contribute to such publications as Punch, Times Education Supplement and the Reader's Digest.

His first book, Two Can Toucan was published in 1964 and since then he has written and illustrated numerous children's books. His books include the popular best-selling Elmer series, Not Now Bernard and King Rollo. David also illustrates for a number of other writers including Michael Bond's Paddington Bear.

David McKee is the creator of several well-known characters including King Rollo and Mr Benn. His most famous creation is Elmer the Patchwork Elephant which is now published in more than 40 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme.

David McKee was born in Devon and went to Plymouth Art College, where he had a traditional training. On leaving college he drew regularly for, among others, Punch, Reader's Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especially by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois.

David's first picture book was one of the stories he had told at college, Two Can Toucan. This was published by Abelard-Schuman in 1964 and the version David re-illustrated in 1985 was re-issued in 2001 by Andersen Press.

David has written and illustrated over 50 picture books for Andersen Press including 24 original Elmer stories. David lives in Arles, France