Mari Kanstad Johnsen (b.1981) is an international awarded and acclaimed artist, children’s book author and illustrator. She has a degree from Oslo National Academy of the Arts and Konstfack, University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm. In 2012, Kanstad Johnsen’s illustrations in a picture book was on the American magazine Flavorwire’s list “The 20 Most Beautiful Children’s Books of All Time”. In 2017 she was honoured “special mention” at the international Bologna Ragazzi Awards. The picture book Bedtime for Bo was on the New York Times / New York Public Library “Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award 2022” list and the BRAW Amazing Boookshelf – Bologna Ragazzi Award 2022. She is a nominee for the 2025 ALMA – the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Mari Kanstad Johnsen has illustrated for several newspapers and magazines, including New York Times