Mari Kanstad Johnsen (b.1981) is an awarded and acclaimed visual 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. Mari Kanstad Johnsen has illustrated for several newspapers and magazines, including New York Times.