Heinz Janisch is the author of many well-known books including Noah's Ark, an American Library Association notable book and Bulletin Blue Ribbon Winner, and The Merry Pranks of Till Eulenspiegel. Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, both books have won New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year awards. Heniz was the Austrian Honour Book nominee for IBBY in 2000, and he is a familiar radio host in Austria.