Kate Gordon-Smith is a New Zealand author of children’s fiction published by Relish Books.
She enjoys writing mysteries and fantasy adventures for readers aged 7 to 12, and is also working on a YA mystery for older readers.
Her goal is to create un-putdownable stories that offer younger readers the chance to switch off from the real world and get lost in a great story.
She is a passionate supporter of New Zealand authors writing for children and teens through her independent, online bookstore, the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore.
Kate's books
Red Collie Mysteries
The Red Collie Mysteries feature 10-year-old Maddison McQueen and her red-and-white Border Collie Ruby, plus their friends Josh, Rose, Izzy and Jennifer, and all their dogs!
Set in beautiful Wānaka – where Kate lived for ten years – the Red Collie Mysteries are fun, fast-paced reads for dog-lovers aged seven to ten years.
The Unicorn King
Lily and the Unicorn King is the first in the three-book Unicorn King series (other two books in the series are in development).
It has a companion activity book, The Unicorn King’s Goodnight Journal and Sketchbook, ideal for non-screen time end of day writing, colouring and drawing.
Reviewer comments
With its short, punchy chapters and dyslexia friendly formatting, Maddison McQueen and the Cupcake Mystery has potential to draw in a fair few reluctant readers too.
Set in Wānaka, Maddison and her friends push the boundaries just enough in Maddison McQueen and the Disappearing Dogs. They straddle the line between their growing independence, parental expectations, and curiosity, in a relatable way. The adventures the group get up to are exciting and interesting, but not overly scary.
Reviewer comments
The plot of Lily and the Unicorn King moves along at a good pace, and laced with daring midnight rides.
Choose how to use the Unicorn King Journal. A daily diary. A gratitude journal. Write book reviews. Write your own unicorn stories. Draw your favorite unicorn. Color the unicorn line art and mandalas.