Natalie Babbitt (1932–2016) began her career in 1966 as the illustrator of The Forty-Ninth Magician, written by her husband. Her first novel, The Search for Delicious, established her gift for writing magical tales with profound meaning. Kneeknock Rise earned her a Newbery Honor Medal, and in 2002, Tuck Everlasting, her most popular book, was adapted into a major motion picture.