Eva Ibbottson

Eva Ibbottson (1925-2010) was an Austrian-born British author known for her enchanting children's books. Born in Vienna, Ibbottson fled to England during World War II. She began writing in the 1960s and quickly gained recognition for her whimsical stories and imaginative characters. Her notable works include "The Secret of Platform 13" (1994), "Which Witch?" (1979), and "Journey to the River Sea" (2001). Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have won numerous awards, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Smarties Book Prize. Ibbottson's work is characterized by its strong female characters, its themes of adventure and friendship, and its ability to transport readers into magical worlds. She was praised for her storytelling abilities and her unique blend of humor and poignancy.