In lieu of flowers, the Keogh family has requested donations be made to support programming to bring authors and illustrators into Boston schools.

The world of children's books has lost a passionate champion with the passing of Pat Keogh on May 2, 2018. Pat's love of children's books began in her career in elementary schools, particularly as a school librarian in the Weston, MA public schools, where she spent 40 years.

That love grew outward to include teaching children's literature at the college level, being a dynamic presenter at countless professional gatherings of her peers, and working tirelessly for 25+ years to advance the mission of Wondermore. As an early and powerful advocate for diversity in children's literature, Pat worked hard to creating opportunities for authors to visit under-served classrooms in Boston.

Over the years, Pat befriended and fostered the careers of many children's book creators, including many new to the field. Her work in children's literature was recognized in 2016 when she was awarded the Peggy Hallisey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts School Library Association.

Pat served as a past president of Wondermore and for many years co-chaired our Program Advisory Committee. We already miss Pat, her outspoken enthusiasm, and her staunch support of all things related to children's books.