A stage director and dramatist, Klaus Hagerup (1946 – 2018) made his debut as an author in 1969 with a collection of poems. Over the last decades he has made a name for himself as a writer of books for children and young adults, resulting in a number of prizes. Two of his books have been made into films. He has also written three novels for adult readers. Six of his novels feature unpredictable Markus Simonsen. This series has gained enormous popularity both within and outside Norway.

List of selected awards:

Riksmålsforbundet Children & YA Literary Prize 2004 for the books about Markus

Ark Children’s Book Prize 2003

The Brage Prize 1994 for Markus and Diana

The Book Sellers Prize 1994 for Markus and Diana

The Ministry of Culture’s Literary Prize twice, last time in 1992

IBBY honor list 1992

Sonja Hagemanns Childrens Books Prize 1990

The Critics’ prize 1989

Praise for the Markus series:

I solemnly and honestly declare that this is one of the most hilarious books I have read for years.
Dagbladet, about Markus and Diana

One cannot help but surrender to the laughing fits that seize one as one reads this book.
VG, about Markus and the Girls

Here are both subtle verbal humour and unbridled situation comedy … What a super-abundance!
Stavanger Aftenblad, about Markus + Football 4ever

A new, and a feast of a read novel from Klaus Hagerup, because Markus really goes for it when he has to.
Dagbladet, about Markus and Sigmund