Siobhan Parkinson
And while we're on the subject of admiration, I was pleased to hear that Siobhan Parkinson has been named Children's Laureate of Ireland. I can't claim to be a life long fan, as I've only read one of her books. But if you haven't read Something Invisible, or at least given it to your favourite eleven-year-old, you should. It's a quiet, intelligent, sensitive read (I know, weird, huh?). Didn't make a huge splash when it came out, but then, it's not a splashy kind of read.
Give or take a few fish.
P.s. Nice cover too, if you can find the hardback.