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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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!
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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.
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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Mortimer and Me:
Undercover Moose
Who is Archibald Peabody and why is there a statue of him in the middle of town square?
Peabody, Wisconsin is celebrating its 100th birthday, and the town can't wait to open a time capsule buried by its founder, Archibald Peabody. In a quest to find out who Archibald Peabody was, Jimmy and Mortimer uncover a story involving a train robbery, missing gold, and the man who is looking for it. With Mortimer's habitat in danger of being destroyed, a hidden map is discovered. Can they solve the clues before it's too late?
Riddles are clues just waiting to be solved!
A Chapter Book for ages 6-10
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A moose at the Governor's Mansion - What could possibly go wrong?
Jimmy and the Trailblazers have been invited to the Governor’s Mansion to receive a community service award. The caravan of parents, including a horse trailer carrying Mortimer, makes the three-hour trek to Madison. On the way home, however, Mortimer manages to escape from the trailer and is nowhere to be found. Mortimer sightings are posted on social media, but Jimmy is convinced that he’s been adopted by a new family. Will Mortimer find his way home, or is he lost forever?
Best friends can't be replaced!
Reviews
"Kathie McMahon’s middle grade novel, Mortimer and Me: Moose on the Run, is another exciting adventure in the Mortimer and Me series. Told in first-person narrative from Jimmy’s point of view, the plot follows the family and friends (and Mortimer, too) as they embark on yet another adventure, this one to receive an award. The language is suitable for a middle-grade reader. Dialogue is used frequently and effectively to help develop the characters and move the story along. There are some twists and turns that young readers will both enjoy and appreciate. And there are lots of funny passages to keep the story light as the plot thickens. This story is part of a series, but the author has added enough background information to make it a good stand-alone tale. Friendship and camaraderie are the strongest themes and will certainly be understood by young readers. Overall, a fun read."
"In a refreshing change from the MG norm, there are no bullies or bad guys in [Moose on the Run]. Everyone gets along fine (except for the requisite pesky kid sister); the parents are loving and understanding; the class loves their teacher; and there is a constant stream of feel-good moments. Predictably, Mortimer shows up in the nick of time on the last day of school. It's possible that the introduction of a subplot of greater conflict would have increased the overall interest level of the book, but there is a place in literature for more low-conflict books like this one. The professional illustrations add interest and humor."
~ IBPA Judge
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"Jimmy Robertson and his family - and Mortimer - are honored to receive an award at the Governor's Mansion. But after the ceremony Mortimer is missing! Is he lost? Can he find his way across Wisconsin back to Peabody?
Kathie McMahon's book, Mortimer and Me: Moose on the Run, is a charming and lively story of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. This is an entertaining read complimented by Tom Tate's delightful illustrations. Kids and adults are going to love this heartfelt addition to this popular series."
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- Jim Paillot, illustrator of over 100 children's books and the best selling My Weird School series
-Reader's Favorite
5-Star Review
"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."
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Arizona children's lit author | Kathiemcmahon
