Cornelia Funke

Cornelia Funke is the most internationally successful and best-known German children’s author. She now lives in Volterra, Italy, though her career as an author and illustrator began in Hamburg. After training as an educationalist and subsequently studying graphic design, she worked as a freelance illustrator of children’s books. Because she did not always like the stories she illustrated, she began writing herself. Among her greatest successes are the Dragon Rider novels, the The Wild Chicks series, and The Thief Lord, the book that established her international reputation. With the Inkheart-trilogy and the MirrorWorld series, Cornelia Funke conquered bestseller lists around the world. She has now written more than 60 books, published in over 50 languages. Numerous titles, including Hands Off Mississippi, The Thief Lord, The Wild Chicks, and Inkheart, have been adapted for film. Her popularity and influence are also reflected in the many prizes and distinctions she has received.