Nira Harel was born in Tel Aviv in 1936. She holds a BA in sociology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an MA in education from Tel Aviv University. She has taught, worked as journalist and broadcaster, produced study programs for the Ministry of Education, edited a children's magazine and served as chief editor for children's books at Am Oved Publishing House. At present, she is editor of a website that encourages children to read. Since 1970, Harel has published more than 60 books for children and a book of feuilletons.