Mrs. O'Neill

Mary O'Neill was an American children's author and poet best remembered for Hailstones and Halibut Bones, first published in 1961. She also wrote other books for young readers, including Words Words Words, People I'd Like to Keep, and The Sound of Day / The Sound of Night.

Before focusing on books, she worked in advertising and later became a freelance writer. Sources available during this search also describe her as having studied at Western Reserve University and the University of Michigan, and as teaching journalism and writing in Ghana and Costa Rica after joining the Peace Corps in 1970.

Her writing is often praised for its energy, imagination, and ear for rhythm. Even decades after publication, Hailstones and Halibut Bones is still presented by publishers as a modern classic, which helps explain why her work continues to find new young readers.