Maria Papayanni (Greek: Μαρία Παπαγιάννη) studied Greek language and literature at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and for many years she worked as a journalist on TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines. She later started writing books for children and teenagers and translating books into Greek language. She has also written theatrical plays for children and librettos. Papayanni has won numerous awards for her literary work, including the Children's Book Award of the Greek section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the Greek National Prize for Youth Literature. In 1993, she married composer Thanos Mikroutsikos; together, they have two children. Awards 2017 Greek IBBY awards for Children's Literature (Shoes with Wings) 2011 State Prize for Children's Literature ["Το δέντρο το μονάχο" (eng: The Lonesome Tree)] 2011 Diavazo Literary Magazine Award ["Το δέντρο το μονάχο" (eng: The Lonesome Tree)] 2007 Diavazo Literary Magazine Award ["Ως δια μαγείας" (eng: As If By Magic) 2007 Greek IBBY awards for Children's Literature ["Ως δια μαγείας" (eng: As If By Magic) 2004 Greek IBBY awards for Children's Literature (Catch Them!) Nominee for the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award.