At or around 11am on Saturday the 11th August a Reading Aloud Tribute in honour of Margaret Mahy, a New Zealand writing treasure of children’s and young adult stories, who recently passed away, is being held across the country here in New Zealand. Authors and Illustrators are going into libraries and reading a Margaret Mahy book. In Australia and other parts of the world she is also being remembered.
New Zealand lost one of its favourite children’s writers. Known for her colourful wigs, storytelling and even more colourful writing, Margaret has penned 100 picture books, 40 novels and 20 short stories. She was one of thirty writers to win the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award. Among her many awards she was also an honorary doctorate, and for her contributions to children’s literature she was made a member of the Order of New Zealand. Her books have been printed in many languages, and apart from some supernatural, much of her writing concentrates on the themes of human relationships and growing up.
There is a blog set up in honour of Margaret Mahy in which you can find where readings are taking place or if you wish to post what is happening in your area, town, or country, to honour a much loved writer. http://mmnationwide.blogspot.co.nz/
It was believed Margaret was still looking for story ideas and writing till her death. Here is a lovely write up, and do watch the video clip for some interesting insight between writer and editor.. http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/books/7334039/Margaret-Mahys-death-a-huge-loss
From the Christchurch Library a fun interview with students. http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/ChildrensAuthors/MargaretMahy.asp
Also the Margaret Mahy Page from the Christchurch Library is a great writing resource. http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/MargaretMahy/OwnWords/
While I scoured the libraries only to find all Margaret Mahy books were taken out I then visited a few books stores and finally found one who had hidden the last two books of hers behind the counter after they started flying out the door. So I now have those last two books. Watch out for a following post, a review on Margaret Mahy’s Classic A Summery Saturday Morning and of course her famed… The Lion in the Meadow.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Oh, sad. I love the Margaret Mahy books I’ve read, mostly to my son when he was young: I particularly remember The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate, My Pirate Uncle, and The Great Piratical Rumbustification. Thank you for your post: I will follow the links and look for your review.
Thankyou josna for your comment. Margaret had a way with words and will be missed. Glad to have you here.
I will have to find her books. I will look her up. It is sad that Ms. Mahy died. 😦 Thank you for the links!
You will find her books very interesting and a lot of fun. Your welcome Erik.
Yes, I’m intrigued to read her books. I’m glad you have two books to review! But, what a legacy she has left behind her and the millions of children who will read her books in yeas to come. Can’t get any better than that!
Thankyou Pat. She has certainly left a legacy, her books were loved by children and adults. I agree it can’t get any better than that. Thanks again Pat.