Helen Docherty

  • 5 stars across 31 books
Helen Docherty's Biography
Before becoming an author, Helen used to teach Spanish and French. She has lived and worked in France, Spain, Cuba and Mexico, and now lives in Swansea, Wales, with her husband, the author and illustrator Thomas Docherty, and their two daughters. 

Her first rhyming story, The Snatchabook has been translated into 18 languages. In 2014 it won the Oldham Brilliant Book Award, voted for by school children, as well as being shortlisted for several national awards. It has been staged as a play and even as an opera, by a school in Canada.

Abracazebra was staged as a play in Ireland as part of the Abhainn Ri Festival of Inclusion.

The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight was shortlisted for Oscar’s Book Prize 2017.

Helen’s latest book, You Can Never Run Out of Love (illustrated by Ali Pye), was published in September 2017.

Helen Docherty Facts
Helen has been learning Welsh for the last five years.

As a child, Helen made books including a monthly magazine for witches!

Our favourite Helen Docherty Book Characters
Eliza Brown - from The Snatchabook
Abracazebra - from Abracazebra

Our favourite Helen Docherty Book Quotes
"Love doesn’t come in a bottle or jar. It’s right there inside you, wherever you are". (You Can Never Run Out Of Love)

"One morning, Leo’s parents said They’d like to have a chat. There was nothing wrong with reading, But he couldn’t  just do that! They’d seen a lovely advert In their favourite magazine. A dragon needed taming! Leo wasn’t very keen". (The Knight Who Wouldn't Fight)
4th August 2016

The Knight Who Wouldn't Fight

Leo the mouse isn't like the other knights. While they like fighting, he'd rather read a book. Leo's parents are k... MoreThe Knight Who Wouldn't Fight

(23 reviews) Review
7th September 2017

You Can Never Run Out Of Love

A heart-warming and funny tale about the different kinds of love, and how no matter how much love you give you can never... MoreYou Can Never Run Out Of Love

(22 reviews) Review
3rd October 2013

The Snatchabook

A magical tale about the importance of bedtime stories. In every house, in every bed, A bedtime book was being rea... MoreThe Snatchabook

(5 reviews) Review
3rd June 2021

The Screen Thief

  Look out! There's a Snaffle about, and she'll eat your screen as a snack! When the Snaffle arrive... MoreThe Screen Thief

(4 reviews) Review
10th October 2024

Superwolf HB

  Can a wolf really be a superhero? Luna is a little wolf with a big ambition: she's determined to be... MoreSuperwolf HB

(4 reviews) Review
4th July 2024

All the Things We Carry

  What can you carry? A pebble? A teddy? A bright red balloon? A painting you made? A hope or a drea... MoreAll the Things We Carry

(3 reviews) Review
5th February 2015

Abracazebra

Yawnalot is a sleepy old town until Abracazebra rides in on her bicycle. Suddenly, all the animals flock to see he... MoreAbracazebra

(2 reviews) Review
28th September 2023

Someone Just Like You

A deeply moving, vitally important picture book encouraging empathy and kindness.Somewhere in this world, there is someo... MoreSomeone Just Like You

(2 reviews) Review
29th August 2024

The Green-Fingered Witch

A funny rhyming story from an exciting new author and illustrator team. Perfect for Halloween! When Cress star... MoreThe Green-Fingered Witch

(2 reviews) Review
4th February 2016

Do You Remember?

'I can't do it!' 'It's not easy learning to do new things,' said Mum. 'But you've always got there in the end.' Do you ... MoreDo You Remember?

(1 review) Review
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