Dawn McMillan

Dawn McMillan is a celebrated New Zealand author of children's books, known for her engaging storytelling and educational content. Born on September 15, 1943, in Te Kuiti, she now resides in Waiomu Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula. With over 30 years of experience as a primary school teacher, McMillan transitioned to writing full-time, focusing on picture books, educational readers, and poetry.

Her works often blend humor with educational themes, making learning enjoyable for young readers. Notable among her publications is the Bum series, which includes titles like I Need a New Bum! and Doctor Grundy’s Undies. These books have gained international popularity and have been translated into multiple languages.

In addition to her humorous works, McMillan has authored nature-themed books such as There’s a Weta on My Sweater, which showcases New Zealand's unique wildlife. She has also written Home Child, a poignant story about a child's migration from London to New Zealand in the 1950s.

Beyond her writing, McMillan is an advocate for literacy and regularly visits schools to inspire young minds. Her contributions to children's literature have earned her several accolades, including the Children's Choice New Zealand Post Award in 2003.