Mousetronaut Saves the World by Astronaut Mark Kelly

 Today's read hit the shelves a little over a week ago (yep, I'm late!), and the second I saw these brave mice, I had to pick it up. This is the third book in a series...one I haven't read before. It is written by an astronaut, which gives in an extra, interesting touch.

But let's just dive in and see!

MOUSETRONAUT SAVES THE WORLD

by Astronaut Mark Kelly

Illustrated by C.F. Payne

Paula Wiseman Books

 Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

Meteor the Mousetronaut defends Earth from an asteroid in this exciting story from #1 New York Times bestselling author and retired NASA astronaut Commander Mark Kelly and renowned illustrator C.F. Payne.

An asteroid is hurtling toward Earth! To save the planet, the president calls on Meteor the Mousetronaut, and Meteor assembles his Flint the scientist and Luna the engineer. Can they divert the asteroid in time?

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

These little mousetronauts aren't only sweet but are about to do the impossible.

NASA has discovered a huge problem; an asteroid is headed toward Earth. Time is short, but if a ship can change the asteroid's trajectory just a little bit, everyone will be saved. There's only one solution; it's time for the Mousetronauts to head into space and do their best to save the world.

Space fans, especially those who enjoy adventure, meet a trio of very brave mice and more than a little space excitement. The tale begins in NASA as the asteroid is noticed and emergency is called. It shifts to the White House, where the President discusses a solution. That's when the mice appear on the desk, and the imagination sinks in. It packs tension to grab and lets these tiny heroes give their all despite the small size. It's easy to root and fever for them when things get tough. But it also never gets so dire that it over-shoots the intended audience level.

The text is a little heavier than many picture books for this age group, which makes it a nice, full-story read-aloud or works well for those readers, who are sure of their words. The illustrations are detailed, and add emotion and atmosphere to each scene. There are fold-out pages, which not only offer extra enjoyment during the read, but work especially well when the solar system is displayed...great way to express the vastness. 

All the while, facts and information are dribbled in. But it doesn't qualify as sheer nonfiction, even ignoring the mice. There are more than a few aspects, which do go beyond reality and hit science fiction. It creates an entertaining mix and lets dreams launch through the universe and beyond. At the end of the book, there are several pages of explanations, facts, and history. This last section is intended for older readers or works great as a help for adults wanting to explain more to the listeners. 

This book makes a lovely read-aloud for story time for more patient listeners or works as a great read-aloud at home. 

And here they are...

Mark Kelly has served as the US Senator from Arizona since 2020. He was a captain in the United States Navy when he commanded the final mission of space shuttle Endeavour in May 2011. A veteran of four space flights to the International Space Station, he is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and holds a master’s degree from the US Naval Postgraduate School.

C. F. Payne has illustrated more than a dozen picture books, including the New York Times bestselling Mousetronaut by astronaut Mark Kelly; the Texas Bluebonnet winner Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy, written by Phil Bildner; and the New York Times bestsellers The Remarkable Farkle McBride and Micawber, both by John Lithgow. He teaches at the Columbus College of Art & Design, where he is the chair of the Illustration Department. Payne lives with his wife and children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit him online at CFPayne.com.

Sweetest Darkness by Leslie Lutz

After a few days of breezing through fun picture books, it's time to head back into the nitty-gritty. Today's read dives head-first into horror with a hint of paranormal, an abandoned hotel (where, of course, someone died), and tons of creepiness...or so, that's the promise. Sounds great, right? It grabbed my attention. I'll admit the cover isn't quite my thing, but that means nothing about the story inside...although I'm horribly superficial on the front. 

Still, I'm hoping to have my head buried under the covers as I grab up my flashlight and stay up to all hours of the night. 

SWEETEST DARKNESS

by Leslie Lutz

Holiday House

YA Horror

304 pages

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 24th!!!

A teenage psychic is drawn deep into the honeycomb of an abandoned hotel—and into the cat-and-mouse game of a predatory entity—in a riveting new supernatural horror novel soaked in dread.

Everyone in Gypsum, Texas knows the Hotel Alvarado changes at night—especially Quinn. A teenage clairvoyant descended from a line of witches, he’s been having dreams about it… dreams that call him to its dark, abandoned halls. The hotel is a monument to the town’s more prosperous past, when celebrities flocked to the mineral spas and films were shot in the desert. The Great Depression killed all of that, it killed the Alvarado, and frankly it killed Gypsum, too. Now, when the sun goes down, things no longer living stir deep within its creaking depths.

But the dreams are relentless. When Quinn braves the hotel’s darkness with his best friend June and unrequited love Selena, looking for answers, he gets only one: ghosts aren’t the scariest thing lurking inside the Alvarado (although they’re there, cold and restless and angry).

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Dreams lead to an abandoned hotel as town secrets draw in to create a creepily, delicious tale.

Quinn knows he has clairvoyant tendencies and makes a few extra bucks reading tea leaves next to classes, but the odd and consistent dreams, which call to an abandoned hotel on the edge of town where a famous director died many years before, are not part of his normal. Add that two of his classmates have the same dreams every night, and he has no doubt that something's not right. When the three visit the hotel to figure out what's going on, Quinn discovers more than he bargained for.

This is a slower, more psychological horror than I expected, and it digs its claws deep. The first chapter begins with the three friends as they visit the hotel to figure out why they're plagued by the same dreams. The reasons leading up to this moment as well as their relationships with each other are filled in as short thoughts from Quinn and their conversations. But it's no problem to get enough grip on, at least, Quinn to be drawn in right away.  But then, the creepy atmosphere formed from the desert town, an abandoned hotel, and the already whispers of magic are movie worthy. While there are three of them sharing the dreams, this tale concentrates on Quinn. While the hotel and whatever is living inside builds the framework, the plot circles around Quinn, town secrets, his relationships, and hidden truths.

I was expecting a bit more of a traditional, haunted house horror with a huge portion of paranormal...and that's not what this is. Instead, it places the paranormal and other threats of the hotel into the position of a looming darkness, which haunts with tendrils of creepy promises while Quinn deals with relationships, town secrets, and his own ancestorial past. The depth weaves layers to build tension and complexity, little by little. It's not fast-paced action or quick-paced, but takes the time to let the horrible truth behind the secrets grow.

This is a read to sink into and enjoy as the horror aspect seeps in, while characters and emotions fall prey to whatever terror waits at the end.

Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry

 About ten days ago, this loud looking book hit the shelves...I couldn't get to it earlier because of my ever-high reading pile, which is sad. But I'm definitely ready to hit it now!  I have to smile at the cover. I love the array of very happy, sign-wielding animals and can't help but laugh and hold my ears with that screaming lion. March on!

Anyway, I'm curious where this one goes, especially since I just had a book up end of last week about reading (I Want to Read All the Books by Debbie Ridpath Ohi). I do expect tons of energy in these pages and excitement!

ROAR FOR READING

by Beth Ferry

Illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

From New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry comes a moving picture book about a brave little lion who decides to speak out for stories by standing up to book banning.

Libraries and lions have a history so long no one’s quite sure how it began—maybe because books were once rare and needed fierce protectors? Still, it’s been a very long time since lions had to roar in the name of books. But when young Julius finds out that books are being banned at his local library, he becomes so filled with emotion that he ROARS! Not all lions are librarians, but all librarians are lions in this inspiring tale of protecting the stories that connect us and defending books that hold ideas that can change the world.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Let your voices be heard! — It's a message, which rings so true through these pages and will have readers cheering right along at the end.

This one doesn't start with a main character, per say, but rather tells a fantastical tale about the beginning of libraries, where a lion keeps watch over borrowed books from a cave. It sets a lovely tone and lays a fitting atmosphere (a solemn-ish one with humorous undertones). From here, the evolution of the library (fantasy, of course) demonstrates future lions still running libraries, but in the sense that we know today. The lion librarian is friendly and calm, books over-flow on the shelves, and readers are everywhere...no longer roared at and controlled while borrowing. Plus, there's already an undertone of 'what happened to the fierce, roaring lion?' because, at least for us, he was somewhat missed...not that we want a fierce roaring lion when visiting a library, but the character is fun. Then, the main tale takes off with a twist around book banning. Yep, this lion librarian and the younger lion on the cover have a job to do to get favorite books back on those shelves.

The message is very clear and dances around book banning. Obviously, it takes a clear stance against it and demonstrates how readers no longer have access to their favorite books or those they would like to read. At the end, it also very briefly hits on how to go against banning. While the messaging is clear, the tale holds enough fantasy and fun to keep it from suffering under the weight of preaching. These animals are great, and it's enjoyable to cheer for them the whole way through.

The illustrations are very detailed and can be flipped through on their own to follow the story for those listeners, who aren't sure of their words yet. It makes a great read-aloud for classroom and group settings, especially when hitting themes such as book banning. 

And here they are...

Beth Ferry is the author of numerous picture books for children including Roar for Reading, Prunella, and the New York Times bestseller Stick and Stone. She is an avid reader who believes that any day spent with a book is a perfect day. Beth lives with her family by the beach in New Jersey where she finds inspiration in the salty air. In addition to writing picture books, Beth also writes chapter books and graphic novels. She’s the author of the middle grade book Growing Home. You can learn more at BethFerry.com

Andrew Joyner is an Australian illustrator and cartoonist. He’s the illustrator of The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky and Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry and the author and illustrator of the Boris chapter book series. In addition to his children’s book projects, he also illustrates regularly for newspapers and magazines. Andrew lives in Strathalbyn, South Australia, with his family and nineteen pets.

I ran across...

Here's a video on Youtube from the illustrator as he demonstrates how he creates the main characters!

Wishing Upon a Streaming Star by Krissi Dallas

Wish Upon A Streaming Star

by Krissi Dallas

Season 1, Volume 1

Thunderfly Publications

YA Comedy Romance

331 pages

He’s an internet star.
She can’t stand him.
Together they just went viral.

Daisy McEntire might seem like an uptight control freak, but it’s only because she’s trying to graduate high school, support her cancer-fighting mother, and save her family’s riverside campground. The last thing she needs is her obnoxious neighbor, internet star Caz Cortéz, keeping everyone up with his late night video stunts and ridiculous pranks. Forget that they grew up as best friends—that was before he relentlessly obsessed over his hair and stats.

But when Daisy accidentally botches one of Caz’s pranks on livestream, the video goes viral, endangering his sponsorships and throwing her into an unwelcome spotlight. As if the overnight attention isn’t enough, half a million dollars in an unbreakable lockbox mysteriously appears. The key to unlock it? Reenact a series of cliché Hollywood movie scenes together within 48 hours.

The catch? It all has to be done live on the Internet—no rehearsals.

Daisy needs the money. Caz needs the stats. Surely they can work together long enough to complete the challenge, split their earnings, and then get back to ignoring each other from across the property line.

The one challenge they can’t control, though, is the one that could jeopardize it all—falling in love.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY TIDBITS

The back-and-forth, witty dialogue makes this a read to laugh with and enjoy.

Daisy needs to get an awesome score the next morning on the SAT if she wants a scholarship, and her sick mother needs to sleep. Obviously, the Youtube crazy neighbor (aka once her best friend) thinks

differently and lets loose one little explosion after the next. Fed up, Daisy heads over to stop him, only to land in one of his soon viral videos. Not only is Caz, her neighbor, thrilled at the insane view number, but a mysterious box arrives with the instructions to complete several tasks to receive $500,000. Caz is all in and pleads for Daisy to do it, but she's not so sure it's a good idea. Still, she could use the money. What she doesn't expect is for the entire ordeal to lead her heart in all sorts of directions with Caz at her side.

This is the first book in what appears to be, at least, a duology (maybe more?). While the Youtube streaming side adds all sorts of fun, action, and even a little tension, it's Caz and Daisy which bring this novel to life. The two have a wonderful dynamic, which spits fire and ice in their hilarious conversations. The romance is cute, but these two have so much difficult backstory, that there are quite a few layers and taunts along the way. The other characters add needed sugar and spice, and the author's use of social media moments brings the entire situation home in a fun way.

The 'scenes' the two have to reenact to earn the money keep the reader guessing at what might happen next, and the author does a  lovely job at bringing each one across in the right way. The more serious issues of Caz and Daisy's pasts weave underneath to add grit and depth, but never overtake or steer from the excitement and fun. It creates an enjoyable mix.

Unfortunately, this does leave off as a bit of a cliff-hanger, which I'm never a huge fan of, but it does have a reader curious to what will come next...because it's impossible to guess but sure to pack something original. 

And here she is...

Krissi Dallas loves pop music, mismatched socks, and Tex-Mex food. She is wife to Dr. Sam Dallas, mom to two strong-willed little boys and a mini goldendoodle, and former junior high teacher of sixteen years. When she’s not busy serving in her church and community, Krissi gives herself over to daydreams and writing. She has five books in the Phantom Island series with the sixth and final installment on the way. Her Kindle Vella novel, Icarus Flight School, spent eleven weeks as the #1 Top Faved story in Teen and Young Adult and just released in paperback and hardcover. Her ongoing serial romantic comedy, Wish Upon A Streaming Star, is currently a Top Faved story on Kindle Vella where new episodes release every weekend. She’s a proud member of the writing community at Art House Dallas and loves nothing more than connecting with readers and writers of all ages.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface

While I have my reading pile stacked to the tippity-top with books ringing in the spookier time of year, a bit of me is also silently celebrating the ever-closer season of Christmas. It's still early. I know. And if I see any Christmas deco in the stores, I'll grunt and roll my eyes, but I also have to admit that I'm getting ready to sit down and start those gift projects for Christmas. I try to give a couple homemade items each year...bigger projects, actually. So, I need to get started on them latest beginning October to make sure they're done in time. 

I'm not jumping into the holiday joy too much, yet, but can't help but sneak in a little pre-joy here and there. 

CHICKA CHICKA

HO HO HO

by William Boniface

Illustrated by Julien Chung

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book   /   Holiday

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

OCTOBER 1st!!!

In a much-anticipated new companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the rollicking alphabet chant gets a holiday twist.

A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you in the branches of the Christmas tree.” In this holiday alphabet rhyme, the crew of beloved letters get their chance to shine as decorations on the Christmas tree!

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Learning the alphabet and some basic shapes takes a holiday chant direction for Christmas, learning fun.

This book is great for those wanting to revisit (or discover) the alphabet and basic shapes, and that in a bright and cheerful, holiday style. The author takes the much-enjoyed Chicka Chicka Boom Boom rhyme and twists it into a cute tale about a string of alphabet letters making their way as decorations on a Christmas tree. The presents, of course, can't be forgotten, and their shapes add the extra, learning touch.

This is a shiny book with lots of foiled glisten to reflect the holiday shimmer and shine. In general, the illustrations take a more simple, shape and color direction, though, letting the letters come across distinctly and remain front and center. The text is easily readable (great for read-alouds) and the letters are in bolder font to make them clear in the rhyme. It fits the well-known chant nicely and will add a bit of zest and fun.

While the letters are revisited and listeners can strengthen their alphabet skills, there's also silliness built in. The letters try to take their positions on the tree but end up with a bit of a problem. This will, no doubt, bring some giggles. There's also a message about working together, and the entire thing ends on a positive note...and leaves with Christmas excitement, too.

And here they are...

William Boniface is the author of more than twenty-four books ranging from pre-school novelty to middle grade novels. His books—which include the Oprah Best Books for Kids selection The Adventures of Max the Minnow, as well as the middle grade series The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy—have sold more than 2 million copies.

Julien Chung has been a professional designer and illustrator for over twenty-five years. He is the illustrator of picture books such as Becoming Blue by Ellen Tarlow; Vrooom, Vrooom! by Mary Lyn Ray; and 365 by Miranda Paul. He has created licensed characters for brands worldwide and works for La Presse newspaper in Montreal, Quebec. He lives in Montreal with his wife and a lovebird named Cookie.

Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

When I first saw today's read, I thought it might make an awesome addition for the up-coming, spooky season reading list. I don't think this one will be spooky; I'm just not getting that vibe. Which is great! Because I love fun books to squeeze into the theme, too. Or cute books. Honestly, I have no idea which direction this one will take, except that it does hit on friendships. Oh, and this isn't it's first edition...it's been republished a few times, so that has to mean something good, right?

(Note: after reading this, I would love to place it on my 'Favorites of 2024' list, but since it's a re-release, I can't. But it is that awesome!)

OWL BAT BAT OWL

by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 7

COMING OCTOBER 22nd!!!

“A warm and clever tale celebrating tolerance and friendship.” —School Library Journal

A mother owl and her three little owlets live happily on their branch. That is, until the bat family moves in. The newfound neighbors (owls up top, bats hanging below) can’t help but feel a little wary of one another. But babies are curious little creatures, and that curiosity, along with a wild, stormy night, might just bring these two families together. With subtly and hilariously shifting facial expressions and gestures, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick brings her accessible graphic style to a warm and ingenious wordless tale that is sure to bring smiles to readers of all ages.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Without words, this tale runs through forming friendship, difficult situations, motherly love, and tons of moments to drawn in with smiles and warm sighs.

Mother owl is sitting happily on a branch with her three owlets When a mother bat and her three babies fly over and hang directly below them, Mother owl is unsettled and not really pleased. The tense situation, however, is interrupted by a sudden, stormy wind, which causes havoc and puts both mothers into a difficult situation.

No wonder this tale has been around and enjoyed for several years. The illustrations masterfully bring across the story and let readers really dive into the scenes. The colors carry a more subdued atmosphere, which fits nicely to the feel of the story. Each creature is brought across naturally and with a touch of cuteness to make them sympathetic. But the most amazing aspect is the subtle story telling. Many scenes aren't overly dynamic but allow the expressions and slight shifts or movements to bring the tale across. It creates a powerful message wrapped up in familiar goodness, which will touch and warm the heart.

This is a read to sink into and enjoy. It works well for a read-aloud in smaller group settings (need to have a good view of the illustrations) or for individuals, too. 

The Grimthorpe Grave by K.H. Saxton

 Today's read fits so perfectly to the season! At least, the cover is giving me Autumn vibes. Add the mystery, and I'm excited to dive into this read. Plus, I'm now pumpkin patch dreaming...gosh, I hope this one involves a pumpkin patch. 

This is the 2nd in the series. I read the first one around this time last year and enjoyed it. (You can see that review here).

THE GRIMTHORPE GRAVE

The A&A Detective Agency, #2

by K.H. Saxton

Union Square Kids

Middle Grade Mystery

32 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 17th!!!

"It’s a delight to see Asha and Alex solve clues and help some clueless adults right a wrong. I can’t wait for the next book!” —Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series on The Fairfleet Affair

How do you save a witch who’s been dead for centuries? 

Alex and Asha of the A&A Detective Agency are on the case! Summer is over, and Asha and Alex haven't had a decent case in months. But just as a chill begins to stir the air, and the autumn leaves start to turn, Dr. Wright from the Fairfleet Institute comes to them with a cryptic note, signed by “The Witch of Waverly College,” about Hannah Grimthorpe, the notorious witch from Northbrook’s colonial past. This is the perfect case to reinvigorate Alex and Asha's interest in keeping up the agency, but distractions come their way as school activities divide their attention. When more clues appear and Dr. Wright is forced out of the Institute, the two detectives decide they are going to need help from their classmates to solve the mystery. 

With sneaky adults out to thwart the kids' mission, shadows lurking in corn mazes and cemeteries, and a Halloween deadline looming to uncover the truth about Hannah Grimthorpe, it's a race against time and a lesson in who to trust for the young detectives of Northbrook.  

The A&A Detective The Grimthorpe Grave is the perfect autumnal read for kids ages 8 to 12.  

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Ghosts, unidentified skeletons and the witch trials come together to form a mystery with more than a few surprises.

Alex and Asha are getting settled into the new school year, both busy with school activities and wondering if the A&A Detectives will ever have a mystery to solve again. But when a self-declared Witch of Waverly College leaves threatening notes surrounding a legend of the death of a supposed witch during the colonial era, Alex and Asha's friend and head of the institute's job is in danger. Although the institute wants to keep the secret past under wraps, Alex and Asha promise to discover who this witch is and what they truly want.

This is the 2nd book in the series, and while the first book does add a little background, this can be read as a stand-alone.

After seeing the cover, I was expecting a bit more of a Fall Fair atmosphere, which this read doesn't have. It's about unidentified skeletons, creepy mausoleums, ghosts, grave robbers and more. While it doesn't grow super creepy, it does carry grim tones, at times, and has the sleuths on an eerie trail with unknown villains and criminals in the background. Even with new found friends and a growing detective group (this mystery is challenging enough to need to add a few more heads to their gang), it's not an easily solved mystery. They have to do plenty of research, figure out codes and clues, and wonder about more than a few very suspicious entities. It's a well-laid mystery which takes thought, and the solution isn't clear until the end.

Despite the darker scenes and more dangerous situations, this stays nicely set for the middle grade audience. It's not gruesome but tends toward clever. And there's a weave of history tossed in to give it a thought-filled feel. There is some back-and-forth on the friendship end to add a little character depth, but it's the mystery and clue-solving which keep this plot going. Every moment reveals something important, even subtle points, which weave into a larger picture, bit by bit. It's a grabbing read with a lovely pacing and a group of detectives to root for until the end. 

And here she is...

K. H. Saxton is an English teacher and boarding school administrator in Connecticut. She is also the author of The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair. 

TTHE FAIRFLEET AFFAIR

The A&A Detective Agency, #1

Here

How to Make a Sandwich by Lorena M Proia

 Today's read heads in the food direction... Isn't that enough to make a person smile? And the cat on the cover. After reading the blurb, I'm expecting that this will be a very, sneaky cat. Will it be a humor packed read? Or carry some important messages? Honestly, I don't know. So, let's dive in and find out.

HOW TO MAKE A SANDWICH

by Lorena M. Proia

Picture Book

32 pages

Making a sandwich is fun and easy! And Rae knows just how to do it. The bread is like the parents, it keeps the sandwich safe and happy. The turkey is the love, the lettuce is the fun. But every time Rae adds an ingredient, it disappears, and she soon realizes there is a sandwich-stealing thief intent on eating her creation!

​Will Rae ever get to eat her lunch? Suddenly making a sandwich isn’t so easy after all!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Cat antics mix with hungry expectations to create a cute read, which guarantees more than just a couple smiles.

Rae can be all sorts of things. Sometimes, she's an artist, while others, she's a scientist. Today, she's going to be a chef because she's hungry. Luckily, she knows all about sandwich making...well, somewhat, anyway. Making a sandwich can't be that difficult, especially since she has all the necessary ingredients. But somehow, the simple task soon becomes very complicated.

While the first pages start out simple enough, a full story soon unfolds and creates a nice, story time read-aloud. Rae loves explaining and talking while making a sandwich. The constant gabbing is cute and makes her adorable as she tells the cat all sorts of things. Meanwhile, the cat has food on the mind, and what a sneaky kitty it is! This will have readers giggling, especially when Rae's frustration grows and grows. Her family members also come in to add a sense of warmth and love, while adding a fun touch to Rae's growing problem. It creates a natural moment and brings enough familiarity to gain sympathy.

The illustrations are detailed and let subtle humor glide into the familiar scenes. The text is a little longer and builds out a lovely, rounded tale while making each character come across realistically.

It's a fun read with heart and does leave off with good vibes and satisfaction.

And here she is...

When Lorena graduated years ago with a BFA in Graphic Design and Painting, she never imagined she’d become an Information Architect in high-tech. She thought her creativity was lost until she was rescued by an Australian Shepherd named Phebe. Inspired by Phebe’s antics, Lorena started drawing again, leading to the creation of Phebe-n-Me, a t-shirt company that eventually blossomed into a children’s book!

​

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Interview with Debbie Ridpath Ohi and I Want to Read All The Books!

I'm squealing! Today, I have another awesome interview...and this one especially made me smile. I've been enjoying this author/illustrator's works for several years. So, to finally get the chance to ask a few questions was a huge honor. 

I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS

by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 17th!!!

An insatiably curious girl decides the only way to answer all her questions is to read all the books in this funny and charming picture book in the spirit of The Library Fish and Tom Chapin’s The Library Book.

Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction. But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what?

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

INTERVIEW 

Thank you so much, Debbie, for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions. It's always fun to learn more about the person behind the books, and it's a treat to have you on Bookworm for Kids!

Q.      While I’d love to dive right into the book themes with you, first I have a very important question. What are your three favorite board games? Yep, my household loves board games, and when I read that you’re currently working on books in this area, I had to ask.

 

Thanks for asking about board games, one of my favorite hobbies!

It's tough to pick just one favorite board game because it really depends on the situation and (most importantly) the people I'm playing with. That said, my preferences have evolved over the years. I used to be open to any board game but now I prefer games that don’t rely heavily on betrayal and backstabbing – unless there's a cooperative or humor element involved.

I have a soft spot for themed board games, especially those with a horror theme. It might seem odd, given that I’m a picture book creator, but I've always been a fan of horror. Cooperative games, where players work together to beat the game, are my favorite. So, naturally, horror-themed board games like Mansions of Madness, Arkham Horror, and Betrayal at House on the Hill are right in my sweet spot.

I also enjoy casual party games like Just One and So Clover, which are perfect for lighter, fun-filled gatherings. Most recently, I’ve also been really enjoying Heat: Pedal To The Metal - it’s my favorite racing board game.

 

Oooo... You just added to our gaming list! I have no doubt that, at least, one of these will get my husband to swing away from his current favorite, Mysterium.

(Q. Not only are you a board game enthusiast, but I saw you play several musical instruments, are a computer programmer, have introduced more than a few writing platforms to the online world, and are a successful author as well as an illustrator. Considering that large variety of talents, what drew you to the Kidlit realm?

 

Thanks for the kind words!

This was a challenging question to answer because I feel like I’ve ALWAYS been part of the kidlit realm. I’ve wanted to write books for kids ever since I was a kid myself. I loved the feeling of getting so involved in a book that the rest of the world disappeared, of immersing myself in the story. I feel similarly when I’m playing or composing music, writing or illustrating, am coding, or even when I’m playing a really good game.

Ultimately, what drew me to creating kidlit books is wanting to create that kind of experience for a young person: to make them FEEL, to be so immersed in someone else’s creation that they’re able to look at the world a different way, even for just a short time.

 

Q. Do you enjoy writing or illustrating more?

Honestly, both fulfill a different part of my creative need to create. When I was younger, I drew all the time just for the fun; it never crossed my mind that I’d ever be able to make illustration part of my career. I’ve also enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember.

I find there is an ebb and flow to whether I lean toward writing or illustrating, depending on my mood and whether I’m creating just for myself or for others.

It does sound nice to be able to switch things up like that!

Q. What were your favorite books while growing up?

 As a child, I used to gravitate toward books that mix elements of fantasy and mystery, like the Half Magic books by Edward Eager, for example, The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis (a gift from my father), and The Diamond In The Window by Jane Langton. I loved books where I identified with the main character is some way, like A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle and Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh.

 But I also loved scarier books like The House With A Clock In Its Walls by John Bellairs and Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.

Q. What was your biggest wish as a child?

I always wanted to be a writer. I wanted to write stories that engage readers so thoroughly that the rest of their regular world falls away, to make them feel the way I did while I was reading a good book. I used to fill many notebooks with stories, some with scribbly illustrations, just for myself and some for my teachers.

Here’s a sample from my very first chapter book. I feel sorry for Miss Heinbuck, my second-grade teacher, having to read all that faint pencil writing. Her comments really encouraged me!

 

I was shocked but delighted when Simon & Schuster editor Justin Chanda discovered my art at an SCBWI conference portfolio showcase in 2010.

I still haven’t given up my dream of someday having my novels for young people published. After my current picture book illustration project is finished, I plan to turn my focus to getting some middle grade projects ready to submit. Wish me luck!

Tons of luck to you! I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures are still to come. 

Q. And what about your favorite snack? Or don’t you snack?

Your second question made me laugh. I am QUEEN of snacks! I don’t really have a favorite snack, but I do try to keep fruit and cut up vegetables and hummus easily accessible so I don’t go straight for my husband’s favourite snacks, which tend to be not as health-conscious.

Thank you so much for letting me visit your blog, Tonja!

 

 

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s writing or art has appeared in over 20 books for young people. She is the award-winning author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva with Simon & Schuster. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black and Linda Sue Park, among others. Her upcoming book, I Want To Read ALL The Books, launches Sept 2024. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. For more info, see DebbieOhi.com.

MY TIDBITS

A little spark of curiosity can lead to something much more mountainous...and not necessarily in the direction a person might think.

Little Hana is simply enjoying watching the rain through her window, when she wonders where the rain drops come from. Instead of giving her the answer, her mother gives her a book. After all, there are books about almost everything. The more Hana learns, the more questions she has...and so does her thirst for books. More and more books. If she reads every single book that there is, she's sure she'll know everything. But getting ahold of every single book that exists isn't exactly easy.

When I first picked this up, I hoped it wouldn't simply be about the joy of reading...I've seen several books (lovely reads, by the way) along those lines. These pages go above and beyond that theme, and not only take a different twist to book-love but also stuff in the cutest little adventure with an adorable and very curious character. Hana's desire to learn is inspiring, but it's her determination to meet an impossible task, which puts a smile on the face. Things don't run smoothly, and while the plot doesn't stomp into loads of humor, it uses just the right dusting of silliness to draw a huge smile.

There are several messages in these pages, and they don't rotate sheerly around books. Hana needs to understand those around her better, and she needs to work with her expectations versus reality. The mother is very supportive and patient, and there's a nice twist at the end to inspire, too.

The text flows very well, making it a nice read-aloud. The illustrations swing in a lighter-toned direction and balance with the right motions and details to let the story take gain richness. It's an enjoyable read with lots of positive goodness.