Mary and I met when she had retired, but we found much in common in our passion for education, and especially for doing everything possible to set small children on pathways that would lead them to success and fulfilment. We often talked about children's books and reading, and it was delicious to find in Mary someone who shared my views about real books and phonics - we had many enjoyable rants against current policy on this! The beautiful and moving picture book, The Hare-Shaped Hole, published last year, therefore seems a fitting tribute to an inspiring woman I was proud to call my friend. Bye bye Mary, I will miss your righteous indignation and will try to remember your sane voice in my ear when I despair. Much love, Jane x