Mahy to receive top award in Macau

Margaret Mahy

New Zealander Margaret Mahy will receive the world's most prestigious prize for children's writing, the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Writing, in Macau on September 21.

The award will be given at the 30th World Congress of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).

Mahy will be accompanied by fellow author Tessa Duder and Dr Libby Limbrick, Head of School of Languages, Literacies and Communication, at Auckland University,

Both will represent the nominating body, Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand.

Often called the "Little Nobel", the award is given biennially to honour an author who has made a lasting contribution to international children's literature.

Mahy, 70, will join Australian Patricia Wrightson as the only Australasians to win the award, which has been given since 1956.

In March when the award was announced, Storylines chairwoman Rosemary Tisdall said she was jubilant that Mahy had now achieved her rightful place in world children's literature.

"This is a huge achievement and the whole of New Zealand, children and adults like, congratulates its greatest and most beloved writer."

The prize adds to Mahy's many accolades, which include New Zealand's top civil award, the Order of New Zealand.

Mahy also writes non-fiction, poetry and plays. She has recently written essays and speeches for adults.

She has also written extensively for television.

Many of her children's books have been translated into more than 15 languages, and she has regularly appeared at international forums on children's literature since the early 1970s.

She lives in Governor's Bay, Lyttelton, and has two daughters and seven grandchildren.

- NZPA