Ian Beck was born in Hove Sussex in the UK. He attended Brighton School Of Art where he studied Graphic Design and Illustration. He graduated in 1968 and moved to London where he worked for many years as a freelance illustrator. In the 1970's he designed and illustrated many album covers, including in 1973 that of Elton John's album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. he published his first book for children in 1982 and has since written and or illustrated over sixty books both for children and adults. he has taught as a visiting lecturer on two occasions at the Minneapolois College of Art and Design in Minnesota USA.

Ian Beck is married with three children and lives in St Margarets near the Thames in West London.

Biography provided by the author, August 2007.