Guy Parker Rees was born in Zimbabwe and came to England at the age of three, later studying for a degree in English and Philosophy at York University. The founder of "Art Attack", a mural painting co-operative, which runs workshops and play schemes, he has also been a hospital-based Art and Crafts teacher working with people with learning difficulties, and also established an Art Therapy Department for people with mental health problems.

Guy became a freelance illustrator in 1989, and his first book, No Such Thing as Monsters, was published in 1993. Since then he has written and illustrated some forty books, including a number of picture books, often featuring animals and expressed in a vivid palette.

Those with jungle settings, including the much-loved Giraffes Can't Dance (2001, text by Giles Andreae), shortlisted for the 2002 Blue Peter Book Awards, QUIET! (2003) and The Hippo-Not-Amus (2003), are typical of the colourful, humorous style that endears him to young readers.

"I like to convey feelings in my work by using a vibrant bouncing line, strong colours and getting expressions just right, " he explains. "I find it very exciting when it all comes together. Oh, and I like drawing lots of animals, too."

Guy lives and works in Brighton.