Taran L. Bjørnstad (b. 1966) is an established author of acclaimed and award-winning books for children and young adults. Her books are translated into several languages. In 2017 she was nominated for one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards, the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, for her middle grade novel The Crocodile Thief. She has been the leader of the Norwegian Writers for Children Author`s Association. She has a university degree in media and communication from London and Oslo and has worked as a media analyst and researcher.