Author
David McKee
British author-illustrator who created Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and Mr Benn; BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award winner 2020
Elmer the Elephant, Mr BennKnown for
David McKee (1935 - 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rollo, Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, which is now published in more than 60 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme. David was born in Devon and went to Plymouth Art College, where he had a traditional training. On leaving college he drew regularly for Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especially by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois. In 2020, David won the British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year Award and BookTrust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born1935 · Tavistock, Devon, UK
Notable works
ElmerElmer and the Patchwork StoryTwo Can Toucan
HonoursBookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award 2020 · British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year 2020
