David John McKee (2 January 1935 – 6 April 2022) was a British writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books and animations.

On leaving college, he continued this to support himself while painting, drawing regularly for, among others, Punch, Reader's Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement.

[citation needed] McKee produced several characters who formed the basis of book series, including Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

[6] His 29 Elmer books have sold more than 10 million copies and have appeared in more than 60 languages being adapted as a stage play and an animated series.

[7] The character has spawned a range of merchandise, including soft toys, from London Emblem and Elmer board books.

[1] They have been responsible for various films, including Tony Ross's Towser, Eric Hill's Spot the Dog, and Lucy Cousins's Maisy.

[citation needed] McKee had homes in London and the south of France where he lived with his partner Bakhta, a French-Algerian art-dealer.