Mary Norton

Who was Mary Norton?

Mary Norton, or Kathleen Mary Norton née Pearson, was an English author of children's books. She is best known for the The Borrowers series of low fantasy novels, which is named for its first book and, in turn, for the tiny people who live secretly in the midst of contemporary human civilisation.

Norton won the 1952 Carnegie Medal from the Library Association, recognising The Borrowers as the year's outstanding children's book by a British subject. For the 70th anniversary of the Medal in 2007 it was named one of the top ten winning works, selected by a panel to compose the ballot for a public election of the all-time favourite.