Hi! I’m Mark—a retired educator, proud dog dad, and the mind behind the mayhem of I Told You So! My goal? To get kids laughing, reading, and begging for "just one more chapter." Whether it’s through the books or a school visit, I bring stories to life with humor, heart, and just enough trouble to keep things interesting.

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Who Is This Guy?

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​Mark Gunning began his career as an elementary school teacher in 1996, dedicating most of his time to junior grades. His passion for education and storytelling led him to write books aimed at engaging reluctant readers with his unique blend of humor and adventure. His efforts were quickly recognized when the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) awarded him the 2018 Children’s Literature Award for his debut book, I Told You So! The Adventures of William and Thomas.

Since retiring from teaching in June of 2024, Mark has focused on writing full-time and is available for author visits to schools, where he continues to inspire young readers with his stories.

Mark lives in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with his wife and three children. When he’s not writing, he enjoys playing guitar, attending concerts, hiking in the Niagara Gorge, golfing, playing slo-pitch, and watching sports. (Go Leafs!) Growing up in the small, close-knit community of Chippawa, Ontario, Mark draws much of his inspiration from his childhood adventures with friends—many of which find their way into his books.

Mark is currently working on the fifth installment of the I Told You So series and has several exciting projects in development. Among them is a brand-new Itchygooney Mysteries series, where William and Thomas dive into spooky local legends and unravel neighbourhood secrets. The first book in the series is ready to drop on July 1st, 2025 - Canada Day!​