Kathleen Doherty is a reading specialist and an educational specialist in curriculum and instruction, dedicated to uniting children with quality literature. Her work often delves into themes of literacy development and inspiring young readers. With extensive experience in education and writing for children's publications, Kathleen focuses on crafting engaging narratives. She has also contributed to the development of standardized test items aligned with Common Core Standards, showcasing her deep understanding of educational frameworks.
Set in a woodland backdrop, this contemporary retelling of a classic fable emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration. Through its warm narrative, the story highlights how coming together can help overcome challenges and support one another during difficult times.
A bear's curious discovery leads to crafty inventions in this story-time romp filled with whimsical wordplay and themes of friendship, imagination, and STEAM. Under the light of a silvery moon, an inquisitive bear ventures into People Town, where he makes quite the curious discovery. What is this? A springy thing—a bouncy thing—a sit-on-it, jump-on-it thing! This Thingity-Jig is way too heavy to bring back to the woods by himself, however, so Bear runs home to tell his friends. But nobody wants to get out of bed to help! So Bear invents a Rolly-Rumpity to wheel the Thingity-Jig home, and then it all gets stuck in the mud. How will Bear tackle this bump in the road? With a Lifty-Uppity, of course! Reading specialist and former educator Kathy Doherty blends upcycling and STEAM in this delightful story of trial and error that teems with delightful wordplay—a true winner for any story time! Illustrator Kristyna Litten depicts a charming world between forest and city with detailed imaginative art and characters. A CCBC Choice
It’s Bear vs. Ranger in the funniest food fight ever, in this entertaining picture book.Mac and cheese, carrot cake, meatball Bear loves when campers leave him grub. The park ranger does not. Smackity smack , Ranger pounds a sign into the DON’T FEED THE BEAR! Upset— no more chewy cookies? No more juicy burgers? —Bear quickly crosses out the “don’t.” Now, it’s war in the park! But when both Bear and Ranger end up losing out, will the two antagonists finally call a truce? With its delightfully cartoonlike pictures and clever wordplay, this picture book will keep kids laughing for hours. Nominated for the 2020-21 Young Hoosier Book Award