One of NZ's most beloved writers, Margaret (76), will be forever remembered through the many Children's books and poems she wrote (over 200 in her lifetime) and for winning international acclaim including the Carnegie Medal and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Known for her intellect, generousity, eccentricity and personableness, Margaret often undertook readings of her books at local Christchurch Schools dressed in colourful wigs and clothes. In 1993 she was made a member of the Order of New Zealand. She died just months after being diagnosed with cancer in her jaw. One of her final works, published a week before her death, wasThe Man from the Land of Fandango. She is survived by two daughters and seven grandchildren.