David McPhail author page

David McPhail biography

David Michael McPhail (born 30 June 1940) is an American author and illustrator of more than 200 children’s books. His career as an illustrator began in 1967, and his first works as author-illustrator appeared around 1971.

McPhail studied at Vesper George School of Art from 1957, and later at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

His debut illustrated book was The Bear’s Toothache (1972). Over his career he has created well known titles such as Edward and the Pirates, Mole Music, The Teddy Bear, and Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore!, often combining whimsical characters with expressive illustrations.

McPhail’s work has earned multiple recognitions: Edward and the Pirates was selected as a Junior Library Guild book, and Mole Music received a Best Books of the Year nod from Publishers Weekly. His illustrations for The Bear’s Bicycle were honoured as a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book.

In 2023 McPhail reflected on his motivations and career in an interview, noting that his aim is to provide enjoyment through his books. He continues to publish new work, including self-published titles such as Truffle: A Dog (and a Cat) Story.