Andre Norton
Andre Norton (1912-2005) was an American author of science fiction and fantasy. She wrote for both adults and young adults. She was the first female to win the Gandalf Grand Master Award in 1977 and was also awarded the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the SFWA in 1983. Norton started out writing historical fiction and adventure novels before switching to sci-fi/fantasy, where she would gain her fame. Cats and other animals are common elements in her stories, with the animals often being highly intelligent and capable of telepathy. Norton wrote several series during her career, but is best known for her Witch World series.