Children's Book World was so lucky and honored to have former educator and now children's book author Kitty Donohoe launch her picture book debut, How To Ride A Dragonfly at our store in May 2023. Kitty was a longtime friend of the bookstore and a special part of our book loving community. It was such a joy to share in her happiness about her new book.
Sadly, just two weeks later Kitty began a brave fight with her beloved husband, Homi, by her side against the horrible disease of cancer. To the heartbreak of her husband, family, friends, fellow educators & authors, and generations of her adoring students, our beautiful and kind Kitty Donohoe passed away on Friday, September 22nd 2023.
I was able to record a very special conversation with my friend Kitty at the time of her book debut and it can be viewed below. I was a lucky human being to have been a friend to Kitty for over 20 years. We are so happy we can continue to share her creative artistry with the curious children who explore our world of books and stories.
Enjoy this special talk with Kitty Donohoe about her journey from dedicated teacher to children's book author!
Click for a very special tribute to Kitty Donohoe by her friend Annette Y. Goldsmith for The Horn Book magazine: If Only You Knew Kitty Donohoe
About Kitty Donohoe: Kitty Donohoe was raised in the Great Central Valley of California and Yosemite National Park. She inherited her love of nature and fantasy from her Irish pioneer ancestors who homesteaded Yosemite in the late 1800’s. She moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA receiving a BA, a Master’s in Education, and a multiple subject teaching credential. Every summer she attended institutes at Columbia University’s TCRWP on teaching reading and writing to young people. Kitty enjoyed teaching primary aged students for many years at a public school in Santa Monica on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. She lived with her husband Homi in the shadow of UCLA.
About How To Ride A Dragonfly: Like a laugh-out-loud spin on Thumbelina, this whimsical, beautifully illustrated picture book stars an adventurous little girl who shrinks down to the size of a bug and takes a tour of the swamp on a dragonfly's back. With a delightfully funny text by author and elementary school teacher Kitty Donohoe and deliciously playful artwork by beloved illustrator Anne Wilsdorf, here is the perfect picture book for any child in search of adventure!
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Like a laugh-out-loud spin on Thumbelina, this whimsical, beautifully illustrated picture book stars an adventurous little girl who shrinks down to the size of a bug and takes a tour of the swamp on a dragonfly's back.
Please choose store pickup for book donations to CHLA. We will coordinate delivery of the book to Children's Hospital Los Angeles and confirm that with you when processing your order. No delivery or shipping is required.