Cornelia Maria Funke is a celebrated German author, renowned for her enchanting children's fiction that has captured the imaginations of young readers around the globe. Born on December 10, 1958, in Dorsten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Funke embarked on her career initially as a social worker, followed by a stint as a book illustrator, before fully immersing herself in the world of writing in the late 1980s. Her narratives, predominantly fantasy-oriented, often explore the adventures of children overcoming adversity, establishing her as Germany's best-selling author for children.

Her books, including the acclaimed The Thief Lord (2002), Dragon Rider (2004), and the Inkheart series—Inkheart (2003), Inkspell (2005), and Inkdeath (2007)—have not only enjoyed immense popularity in Germany but have also reached an international audience, being translated into several languages. Funke's work has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, and her stories such as The Thief Lord, Dragon Rider, and Inkheart have been adapted into feature films and spent numerous weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Often likened to the "German J. K. Rowling," Funke's influence extends far beyond her literary creations. In 2005, she was honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, a testament to her significant impact on contemporary children's literature.

Funke resides in Los Angeles, California, with her two children, two birds, and a very old dog, continuing to enchant and inspire readers with her imaginative tales.