Welcome! Kathie McMahon is a children's lit author who writes engaging books for kids age 6-12. Current chapter book series, Mortimer and Me, focuses on 8-year-old Jimmy Robertson and his friend Mortimer, a friendly moose who wanders into Jimmy's town of Peabody, Wisconsin.
Books and Stories
Winner -
Royal Dragonfly Award
2020
Mortimer and Me
A boy and a moose . . .
What could possibly go wrong?
Eight-year-old Jimmy is the new kid in school and he’s already been labeled as a troublemaker. After his first attempt to make a friend has disastrous results, the only one who seems to care about him is Mortimer – a big ole clumsy moose that wanders into town causing problems of his own. Jimmy and Mortimer face one setback after another, including a run-in with a couple of bullies and an escape by the class pet. The soccer game between the teachers and the third graders might be the opportunity Jimmy is searching for. Can he and Mortimer finally prove to everyone that they belong?
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If it is to be, it’s up to me!
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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Mortimer and Me: The Bigfoot Mystery
It all started with a huge footprint . . .
Eight-year-old Jimmy and his moose friend Mortimer join the rest of the Trailblazers on a camping trip to earn their Outdoor Adventure badge. What starts out as a team building exercise soon turns into an investigation of a mysterious footprint that can’t be described as animal or human. What kind of creature made it and where did it go? One discovery leads to another, until no one knows what to believe anymore. But one thing is for sure . . . they are not alone.
Take only memories, leave only footprints.
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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You can download an ARC and write a review by clicking here.
Mortimer and Me:
Moose For Hire
Friends come in all shapes and sizes . . .
Another adventure with eight-year-old Jimmy and his moose friend Mortimer leads them on a mission. When Grandpa's childhood friend, Charlie, falls after helping Jimmy and his dad build a treehouse, Jimmy feels responsible. To make matters worse, Jimmy overhears his parents express concern for Charlie's medical bills. Determined to help, Jimmy and Mortimer set out to find a summer job. Despite failing at mowing lawns, delivering groceries, spinning signs, and walking dogs, Jimmy finally comes up with the perfect plan. That is, until a catastrophe threatens to destroy everything.
Believe in yourself and you're halfway there!
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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A Moose is on the Loose!
Jimmy begins fourth grade with the rest of his Trailblazer buddies. Enter Mr. Delgado, the coolest teacher ever. Jimmy and classmate Chelsey team up for the school's science fair with one goal: Win first prize with an experiment no one's ever done before. However, Kevin and Bradley have other ideas. When the experiment goes terribly wrong, the Trailblazers set out on a rescue mission like no other!
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Together we achieve the Extraordinary!
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree!
Read More Here.
Mortimer and Me: Moose In Space
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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Mortimer and Me:
The House On Briarwood Lane
A family disappears in the dark of night . . .
An old abandoned mansion suddenly has a "Sold" sign in the front yard after sitting vacant for over five years. There's a light in the attic that glows every night, and JImmy is sure he sees a face in the window. But no one ever notices anyone going in or out. Things get even more mysterious when Lily's cat Muffin disappears and an anonymous ransom note is delivered. Who is in that house and what do they want?
The truth is still the truth, even when no one believes it.
Read more here.
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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Mortimer and Me:
The Moosical
Have you ever seen a moose sing and dance?
Join Jimmy, Mortimer, and the rest of the Trailblazers as they create an original musical about their home state of Wisconsin. While learning about the state, Jimmy comes up with the idea of creating a petition drive to change the state animal from badger to moose. A surprise appearance by Mortimer at the final performance of the musical ensures a place in the town of Peabody's history, if not the entire state of Wisconsin.
Music is like a magic key that can change the world!
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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Reviews
"Fourth grade can be quite a challenge. For Jimmy and his moose friend Mortimer, the fourth grade can also be a spooky adventure. In The House On Briarwood Lane, Author Kathie McMahon brings together a sprinkle of friendship with a dose of mystery, to include science experiments and a fun classroom style. An easy read for young chapter book readers."
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~ Lorraine Hawley
Author, Curious World of Dandy-Lion
"In Jimmy and Mortimer's next adventure, mysterious footprints spark the Trailblazers' curiosity on their camping trip. But are the "Bigfoot" footprints for real, or is Bigfoot just a ghost story? Either way, Jimmy is determined to find out. As he investigates, he learns the value of teamwork, friendship, and forgiveness. A fun mystery for early elementary grades."
Karen S. Chow, Author,
Miracle
"Filled with laughter and adventure, the reader is pulled into Jimmy’s orbit as he and his pals navigate the 4th grade science fair! Rocketry, teamwork, perseverance, problem-solving and resilience set the scene and you can't help but cheer for the kids in Mr. Delgado's 4th grade class. Moose In Space is a must read for every classroom!"
Colleen Howard, STEM Specialist
Mesa Public Schools -
Mesa, AZ
"I wish there would have been books written like this when I was in elementary school because I really didn't like to read. If there had been 'Mortimer and Me' books, I know I would have experienced the joy of reading."
Read more reviews here.
Arizona children's lit author | Kathiemcmahon
