Margaret Mahy

Margaret Mahy (1936–2012) was a renowned New Zealand author of children's and young adult books, known for her fantastical stories infused with supernatural elements that explored themes of human relationships and growing up.[1][2] She wrote over 100 picture books, 40 novels, and 20 short story collections, beginning with her debut *A Lion in the Meadow* in 1969 after working as a children's librarian.[1][3] Mahy received prestigious awards including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 2006 and the Carnegie Medal twice, cementing her legacy in children's literature.[1][3]