Jostein Gaarder was born on August 8, 1952, in Oslo, Norway. He is a well-regarded Norwegian intellectual and the author of several novels, short stories, and children's books. Gaarder has a distinctive style, often writing from the perspective of children, exploring their sense of wonder about the world. He is known for his use of metafiction, constructing intricate stories within stories.

His most famous work, Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (1991), has garnered international acclaim. It has been translated into 60 languages, with over 40 million copies in print, making it one of the most translated and bestselling books in the world.

Gaarder's background as part of a pedagogical family has greatly influenced his writing. In 1997, he established the Sophie Prize with his wife Siri Dannevig. This international prize is awarded annually for outstanding contributions to the environment and development, carrying a monetary award of USD 100,000.