Janet McNeill (14 September 1907 – October 1994) was a prolific Irish novelist and playwright. Author of more than 20 children's books, as well as adult novels, plays, and two opera libretti, she was best known for her children's comic fantasy series My Friend Specs McCann.Janet McNeill was born on 14 September 1907 in Dublin to Rev. William McNeill, a minister at Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, and Jeannie Patterson (Hogg) McNeill. In 1913 the family moved to Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, where her father became minister at Trinity Road Church. McNeill attended public school in Birkenhead and studied classics at the University of St Andrews, completing a MA degree in 1929. While in university, she was involved in writing and acting with the College Players. In 1924 the family returned to Ireland due to her father's failing health, and Rev. McNeill became the minister of a village church in Rostrevor, County Down, Northern Ireland while Janet joined the Belfast Telegraph as a secretary. Wikipedia