Norman Jorgensen was born in Broome, the eldest of four brothers, and has lived in several country towns since. At a young age he developed a love of books, especially historical novels like Treasure Island, and old movies. At age thirteen Norman learned to sail. These days he loves travelling and researching exotic places for his books. The Last Viking won the 2012 Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Crystal Kite Award, the 2012 WA Young Readers' Hoffman Award, and a 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Junior Judges Award. It was shortlisted for a further four awards. Jorgensen won CBCA picture book of the year for In Flanders Fields.