John Dougherty author page

John Dougherty biography

John Dougherty is a children’s author and poet originally from Northern Ireland. He began his career as a primary school teacher before turning to writing. Dougherty’s first published book was Zeus on the Loose, released by Random House Children’s Books in 2004. This title marked the beginning of his popular series featuring Greek mythology, which includes sequels such as Zeus to the Rescue and Zeus Sorts It Out.

In addition to his Greek mythology series, Dougherty has written the Bansi O’Hara books, which draw on Irish folklore, and the Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face series, published by Oxford University Press. The Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face books are illustrated by David Tazzyman and are aimed at younger readers.

Dougherty has also written poetry for children, with his collection Dinosaurs and Dinner-Ladies published by Otter-Barry Books in 2016. He has contributed to anthologies and has been involved in various literacy projects and school visits, supporting reading for pleasure among children.

John Dougherty’s book There’s a Pig Up My Nose, illustrated by Laura Hughes and published by Egmont, was shortlisted for the Oscar’s Book Prize in 2018.