Dave Gunson is a freelance illustrator, designer, and author. He has published numerous books for children and young adults, both fiction and non-fiction. His interest in nature and wildlife is clearly reflected throughout his works. He has received many awards and prizes, and The Natural World of New Zealand (1998), written by Gerard Hutching and contributed to by Gunson, won the 1998 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Dave Gunson lives in Auckland.