Ian McNee author page

Ian McNee biography

Ian McNee is a New Zealand artist and illustrator whose work appears widely in children’s publishing, particularly for Usborne. He works primarily in ink and watercolour, often using dip pens to create detailed line and wash artwork for non-fiction, activity and early reading titles.

McNee has illustrated numerous Usborne books for primary readers, including subject overviews, histories and make-and-do formats. His credits include Tutankhamun (Usborne Young Reading Series 3, 2006), Pirate Handbook (2006), True Stories of Gangsters (2004), Knights, The Story of the Second World War (2012) and The Second World War (Usborne History of Britain). He has also contributed to activity-led lines such as the Magic Painting and colouring series, with titles including Famous Paintings Magic Painting Book, London Magic Painting Book and Art Gallery Magic Painting Book.

Beyond core list titles, McNee’s illustrations feature on encyclopedic and reference projects such as Kings & Queens and on topic books for classrooms and libraries. Retail and library listings record further contributions across history, geography and arts strands, reflecting a focus on clear visual explanation for KS1–KS3 readers.

Earlier in his career he provided cartoons and illustration for periodicals and imprints including Pony Magazine, The Guardian and Travelman Publishing. He also illustrated Margaret Beames’s children’s novella Rabbit for Scholastic New Zealand.

Flags of the World to Colour, illustrated by McNee, was scheduled for publication on 5 June 2025.