David Brin

The Uplift books are one of my favorite sci-fi franchises. The concept, that one species, through mentoring, some protection, and some genetic manipulation, can uplift another is so sensible. It makes the galaxy a family of families. Humans are a "wolf" species - no one knows who made them sentient or if it just happened. Humans uplifted apes and dolphins, and went into space with them. The characters are great, and I hope to live long enough for Mr Brin to write a conclusion (he claims that it is complete but I'm still waiting).