Margaret Mahy's many books - picture books, short stories, and fiction for teenagers as well as younger children - have been hugely successful all round the world and she was indisputably one of the most popular and successful 20th-century children's authors. She won the CARNEGIE MEDAL and many other awards, and was nominated for the HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN AWARD. Margaret died in July 2012. Quentin Blake is known for his collaboration with writers such as Russell Hoban, Joan Aiken, Michael Rosen, John Yeoman and, most famously, Roald Dahl. He has also illustrated classic books, including A Christmas Carol and Candide and created much-loved characters of his own, such as Mister Magnolia and Mrs Armitage. His books have won numerous prizes and awards and he was appointed the first ever Children's Laureate, a post designed to raise the profile of children's literature.