Lori Mortensen is a prolific author of children's books, known for writing both fiction and nonfiction. She has published over 100 books, including picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction. Her work often explores themes of history, science, and nature, and has been recognized with several awards, including a Eureka! Award, an Illinois State Historical Museum Award, and has been nominated for the California Young Reader Medal. Her books have been selected as Junior Library Guild and Science Book Guild junior reading selections. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has taught children's writing at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Extension. She lives in Northern California.