It was with great sadness that we received the news of the death of New Zealand’s multiple national and international award winner Margaret Mahy. Margaret Mahy began writing at the age of seven. She went on to publish more than a hundred picture books, novels, non-fiction books and short story collections.

I  remember attending of her sessions at the Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland. I was amazed at her ability to recite the entire book Bubble Trouble. Needless to say she had her audience hanging on to every word! Later on I stood patiently in a long line waiting to get the book Dark Blue 100-ride bus ticket signed. Margaret spoke to each of the children in line as they came up to her. When it was my turn she did not just sign her name in the book but also drew a little picture. I was so impressed with the way she made each one of us feel so special.

Each year Storylines celebrates its award winners, member and activities with its annual Margaret Mahy Day. The day will never be the same without their patron.
She will be remembered as one of the few authors who were able to touch the lives of the very young as well young (and old) adults with her lively stories full of warmth and mirth.
To the staff of Services to Schools it’s like loosing one of our own as Margaret Mahy worked for the School Library Service (as it was then known) in Christchurch.

Photograph: Christmas in the Old Childrens Library Workroom. Margaret Mahy is third from left, back row . The photograh was taken in late 1980. Margaret  began work at the Canterbury Public Library as Children’s librarian in 1976.

by Janice

image by Christchurch City Libraries