Kari Stai (b.1974) is an illustrator, visual artist, and author. She is recognized as one of Norway’s leading picture book artists and made her debut in 2008 with Yesper and Noper (Jakob og Neikob). Since then, she has published seven books about the two friends, founded on a simple yet ingenious concept: one always says yes, the other always says no. The picture book series are considered modern classics in Norwegian children’s literature, and have been translated into numerous languages, adapted successfully for the stage in several productions, and honoured with multiple awards. Stai combines humour and a sense of wonder with reflections that opens space for profound existential themes, engaging both children and adults. In addition to the Yesper and Noper-series she has received great recognition for the three books about Juri: So-so happy, The Tribe, The Weirdo (Passe happy, Flokken, Raringen), in which she explores an extended narrative form aimed at middle grade-readers. The books are also illustrated by the author, and has received prestigious nominations and awards, both at home and abroad.

Bibliography:
Yesper and Noper (Jakob og Neikob). Picture book, 2008
Bloodric and the Blood factory (Blodrik og Blodfabrikken). Picture book, 2010
Mopp and Mikko loves animals (Mopp og Mikko elskar dyr). Board book, 2011
Mopp and Mikko loves vehicles (Mopp og Mikko elskar kjøretøy). Board book, 2011
Mopp and Mikko loves food (Mopp og Mikko elskar mat). Board book, 2011
Yesper and Noper. The Thief Strikes Back (Jakob og Neikob. Tjuven slår tilbake). Picture book, 2012
Yesper and Noper and the Empty Room (Jakob og Neikob og det tomme rommet). Picture book, 2014
Yesper and Noper. The Neighbour (Jakob og Neikob. Naboen). Picture book, 2016
Tankespinn (Mind spin). Picture book, 2017
Yesper and Noper og Alle Andre (Yesper and Noper and Everybody Else). Picture book, 2018
Yesper and Noper. The Storm (Yesper and Noper. The Storm). Picture book, 2019
So-so happy (Passe happy). Novel, 2021
Yesper and Noper and the Time Machine (Jakob og Neikob og tidsmaskinen). Picture book, 2022
Is it True That (Er det sant at). Picture book, 2023
The Tribe (Flokken). Stories, 2025
The Weirdo (Raringen). Stories, 2026