SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: I Want to Read All the Books
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://debbieohi.com/
CITY: Toronto
STATE:
COUNTRY: Canada
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME: SATA 327
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born 1962; married Jeff Ridpath.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and illustrator. Inkspot and Inklings (online writing community), founder. Has worked variously as a computer systems analyst for a bank, a computer technician, a bookseller, a library page, and a piano teacher.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
AWARDS:Mecklermedia Internet Word Impact Award, 1998; Ontario Library Association Best Bet, for Where Are My Books?.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a writer and illustrator. She is the founder of the online writing community and electronic newsletter Inkspot and Inklings. Ohi had worked as a computer systems analyst at a bank before turning to illustrating and writing fulltime. (open new1)In an interview in Critter Lit, Ohi admitted that “interacting with young readers” provides the inspiration for her illustrations. She also confessed to enjoying “the part of the creative process when you fall so deeply into your work that everything else around you disappears.”(close new1)
With Where Are My Books?, Spencer tries to figure out where his book keep disappearing to. He investigates his family and sets traps. When he finds the culprit, he sets rules on borrowing his books. A contributor to Publishers Weekly claimed that Where Are My Books? “should quickly find its way into the hearts of book lovers of all ages.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor mentioned that “the brilliant combination of art and text will capture the imaginations of both bibliophiles and less-than-enthusiastic readers.” Writing in School Library Journal, Barbara Auerbach opined that “the brightly colored, digital cartoons are expressive and sweetly endearing.”
In Sam & Eva, two kids have a duel with their drawings, each trying to one-up the other. When their creations come to life and get out of hand, the young artists escape to a blank page where they decide it is best to draw together rather than against each other. Reviewing the book in Horn Book, Megan Dowd Lambert observed: “Throughout, the children’s drawings are rendered in a naive style that emulates kids’ art-making.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly opined that “readers will finish the book confident that these two will work through their creative differences once again.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor insisted: “Expressive, high-spirited one-upkidship via artwork on walls—there’s nothing wrong with that.”
With Michael Ian Black’s I’m Bored, a potato complains about having to hang out with a child. The girl takes it upon herself to prove why hanging out with kids can be fun. A contributor to Publishers Weekly found that “Ohi’s minimalist, scraggly digital drawings are anything but boring, and speak volumes about irritation, desperation, and disdain.” Reviewing the book in School Library Journal, Linda Ludke lauded that “Ohi’s captivating, digitally created illustrations are full of wit and charm.”
In Michael Ian Black’s Naked!, a boy is excited to be naked after his bath. He has grand ideas of everywhere he can go while naked until the cold sets in. He happily goes to bed in his pajamas. A contributor to Publishers Weekly proposed that the book is “certain to inspire gleeful mimicry.” Writing in School Library Journal, Lynn Vanca mentioned that “parents sharing this story one-on-one with a child will find the picture book humorous on both a child and adult level.”
With Lauren McLaughlin’s Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in What’s That Smell?, Mitzi doesn’t know that it is her birthday. She suspects something big is in the making, though, and starts her investigation. Reviewing the book in Resource Links, Alice Albarda claimed that “very young readers may enjoy figuring out the mystery before Mitzi.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor remarked that “despite misgivings, it’s a sweet story centering on a bright, black birthday girl, and on that front it takes the cake.”
In Rob Sanders’s Ruby Rose: Off to School She Goes, the energetic Ruby Rose is disappointed by the restrictive environment of her first day at school. But after the ant farm gets knocked over, everyone is up and moving around, just as Ruby had wanted. A Kirkus Reviews contributor said that “artistic expression clashes with classroom discipline, and neither is the winner.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly noted that Ohi’s “thickly outlined cartoons match Ruby’s abundant energy.” Booklist contributor Kathleen McBroom lauded that “this fun tale will inspire young dancers” and “help readers get through that first day of school.” Reviewing the book in School Library Journal, Lisa Kropp pointed out that “there are plenty of Ruby Roses out in library land who will enjoy this sweet story.”
With McLaughlin’s Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in The Secret Ingredient, Mitzi partners up with her friend Max to help figure out if Max’s father tried to sneak any vegetables into their muffins. A Kirkus Reviews contributor mentioned that “Ohi’s colorful, cartoon illustrations ramp up the humor in this story and add visual interest with setting details.” The reviewer claimed that this is “a recipe for storytime fun.” Booklist contributor Ilene Cooper pointed out that objects and characters “pop off the pages, and there is humor in both the art and the text.” Writing in School Library Journal, Susan Small found the book to be “a great preschool read-aloud for any situation.”
In Aaron Reynolds’s Sea Monkey & Bob, a brine shrimp and a puffer fish worry over the basic physics of the body types. Sea Monkey is worried his heavy frame will make him sink to the bottom of the ocean, while Bob is concerned that his light frame will pull him to the surface. They conclude that hugging each other will balance out the effects of their body types. A Kirkus Reviews contributor said that the book is “a barrel of giggles, exaltation of friendship, and slight science to boot.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly proposed that young readers will “smile” reading this story.
Ohi published Writer’s Online Marketplace: How & Where to Get Published Online in 2001. Her first book offers advice and guidance to other writers looking to get published online. Ohi points to where readers can find these markets, how to create query letters, and gives insight into what online publishers are seeking. A contributor to Link-Up said that the account makes “clear the unique writing and marketing techniques you need to succeed in” selling one’s work online.
(open new2)The titular characters in Sam & Eva argue about what the other’s drawings look like. Sam refuses Eva’s request to draw together, which erupts into the emotions behind their drawings getting out of hand. Eventually the two children leave their old drawings behind and work together with cooler heads. A Kirkus Reviews contributor called it “expressive, high-spirited one-upkidship via artwork on walls,” adding that “there’s nothing wrong with that.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly insisted that “readers will finish the book confident that these two will work through their creative differences once again.” In a review in Horn Book, Megan Dowd Lambert noted that “the pictures fill more and more space, with their inhabitants attacking each other to humorous effect.”
In I’m Sad, a girl in pigtails and an anthropomorphic potato try to cheer up a depressed flamingo. While none of their attempts initially work, a misplaced joke gets them all laughing. A Kirkus Reviews contributor confessed that they were “happy to see such a well-done feelings book.” A contributor to Children’s Bookwatch labeled it “an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to … picture book collections for children.”
With I’m Worried, the potato expresses his concern about the scary possibilities of what could go wrong in the near future to his friends, a young girl and a talking flamingo. The girl admits that nobody ever knows what will happen, but they have all overcome bad things that have happened to them in the past and would be able to do it again. Writing in School Library Journal, Barbara Auerbach called it “a fun, reassuring storytime selection or one-on-one read for overly anxious children.”
In Gurple and Preen, Gurple the purple robot is upset that his spaceship carrying large crayons crashed. Preen, however, is willing to help Gurple see that he can solve his problem with some creativity. A Kirkus Reviews contributor found it to be “a bumpy ride to a worthy message that’s still worth the trip.” Booklist contributor Kay Weisman called it “a clever nod to imagination and ingenuity.” In a review in Horn Book, Elissa Gershowitz remarked that the book’s dialogue “is bright and witty, as are the digital crayon-box illustrations with lots of dimension and plenty to look at.”
With I’m Sorry, the girl finds that the potato has hurt flamingo’s feelings and is having a hard time apologizing. Writing in School Library Journal, Emily Brush observed that “this book that playfully demonstrates how to apologize and forgive is a good title for SEL collections.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor acknowledged that “apologizing well is a hard and important skill to learn.”
In I Want to Read All the Books, Hana decides she will get all of her questions answered by reading every book she can. She voraciously reads everything from romance novels to self-help books. Hana soon realizes that it won’t be possible to read everything before burning out. A Kirkus Reviews contributor found it to be “slightly self-congratulatory but sweet encouragement for library patrons.”(close new2)
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, December 15, 2015, Kathleen McBroom, review of Ruby Rose: Off to School She Goes, p. 60; May 1, 2017, Ilene Cooper, review of Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in The Secret Ingredient, p. 37; August 1, 2020, Kay Weisman, review of Gurple and Preen, p. 73.
Children’s Bookwatch, August 1, 2018, review of I’m Sad.
Horn Book, November 1, 2017, Megan Dowd Lambert, review of Sam & Eva, p. 84; September 1, 2020, Elissa Gershowitz, review of Gurple and Preen, p. 70.
Kirkus Reviews, February 1, 2015, review of Where Are My Books?; May 1, 2016, review of Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in What’s That Smell?; June 1, 2016, review of Ruby Rose; February 15, 2017, review of Sea Monkey & Bob; May 15, 2017, review of Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in The Secret Ingredient; August 1, 2017, review of Sam & Eva; May 15, 2018, review of I’m Sad; July 1, 2020, review of Gurple and Preen; June 15, 2021, review of I’m Sorry; July 15, 2024, review of I Want to Read All the Books.
Link-Up, July 1, 2001. review of Writer’s Online Marketplace: How and Where to Get Published Online, p. 24.
Publishers Weekly, July 9, 2012, review of I’m Bored, p. 63; March 3, 2014, review of Naked!, p. 63; March 30, 2015, review of Where Are My Books?, p. 75; May 9, 2016, review of Ruby Rose, p. 68; February 13, 2017, review of Sea Monkey & Bob. p. 73; August 14, 2017, review of Sam & Eva, p. 77.
Resource Links, October 1, 2016, Alice Albarda, review of Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in What’s That Smell?, p. 9.
School Library Journal, September 1, 2012, Linda Ludke, review of I’m Bored, p. 111; April 1, 2014, Lynn Vanca, review of Naked!, p. 112; March 1, 2015, Barbara Auerbach, review of Where Are My Books?, p. 123; January 1, 2016, Lisa Kropp, review of Ruby Rose, p. 76; April 1, 2017. Susan Small, review of Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in The Secret Ingredient, p. 130; June 1, 2019, Barbara Auerbach, review of I’m Worried, p. 60; October 1, 2021, Emily Brush, review of I’m Sorry, p. 67.
ONLINE
CBC website, http://www.cbc.ca/ (November 27, 2017), Ryan B. Patrick, “6 Books Debbie Ohi Would Love to Illustrate.”
Critter Lit, https://www.critterlit.com/ (July 18, 2019), author interview.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi website, http://debbieohi.com (August 8, 2024).
Inkygirl, http://inkygirl.com/ (January 5, 2018), author profile.
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez website, https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/ (August 11, 2021), Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez, author interview.
Stories We Read, https://www.thestoriesweread.com/ (January 5, 2018), author interview.
Story Mamas, http://storymamas.com/ (December 2, 2017), author profile.
In a nutshell:
Hello! My name is Debbie Ridpath Ohi (“Ohi” rhymes with “Chloe”) andI write and illustrate books for young people.
My ethnic background:
My mother was born in Japan. My father was born in Vancouver, but his parents were born in Japan.
What I was like as a kid:
Introverted, quiet, geeky. I stammered a lot when I was growing up, so much so that I saw a speech therapist. It didn’t help. I still stammer sometimes, mainly when I’m tired or stressed, but I’m no longer terrified of public speaking. I actually even enjoy it sometimes, especially if I know what I’m saying will help those who are listening, and if I have time to prepare.
Some random facts about me:
Once upon a time, I was a computer programmer/analyst. I’m the founder of Inkspot and Inklings, one of the very first online writing communities and electronic newsletters for writers. I ended up selling to a U.S. company so I could focus on doing more creating and less administration/managing.
Here’s what I’m working on right now.
I have a CD track with my name as its title (see Track 5). Written and performed by some of my filk friends, with a bunch of insider refs. Some of us used to write fun songs about each other, and this one ended up on Mystic Fig’s album!
How To Pronounce My Last Name, Where I was Born, How I Got Started and More
See the section in my FAQ called “Questions About Debbie, Her Background, Process, Etc.“
Some Jobs I Had Before I Became A Full-Time Children’s Book Author and Illustrator
Worked as a Page for the Toronto Public Library: put away books, helped the librarians.
Bookseller for Lindsay’s Books For Children: sadly, this indie bookstore shut down many years ago.
Computer programmer/analyst for Toronto-Dominion Bank: I worked at their head office for two years.
Piano teacher, self-employed: taught piano lessons from my home and in students’ homes part-time, youngest student was 4 years old and the eldest was 80.
Computer technician for Environment Canada.
What I Enjoy Doing in My Spare Time
BOARD GAMING
My husband, Jeff Ridpath, got me hooked on board gaming by taking me to my very first board gaming convention, BoardGameGeek, a convention organized by the online boardgaming community of the same name. I had always enjoyed playing board games but didn’t get much opportunity since I’m not a late night person. At BGG.con, however, I found people who were willing to play board games any time of day or night. After that, I got more involved in the community. And now? Well, now I’m working on a book about board gaming and the board gaming community.
MUSIC
Photo: Urban Tapestry in concert, FKO 2007
Photo: Michael Pereckas.
You can find out more about my musical background in my Music Page. I am a longtime hobby musician and songwriter. I play, with varying levels of competence: keyboard, flute, Celtic harp, tin whistle, guitar, assorted bangy percussion things.
I used to write songs for and perform with a filk music group called Urban Tapestry. We don’t tend to perform much anymore but remain good friends, and try to get together when we can. We’ve performed in Germany, England, across the U.S. and in Canada.
Still More Random Facts About Me…
I love miniature food, flashlights, cupcakes and I’ve turned my life into a comic strip. My comic strip, Will Write For Chocolate, focuses on a house full of freelance writers. My hobby projects include: Waiting For Frodo (completed comic strip, Canoe interviewed me about it), The Urban Tapestry Filk FAQ, and Reading the Lord of the Rings…A Final Attempt (the Sunday Herald Sun interviewed me about it).
My overall life attitude was altered after losing my mother to cancer, then my brother and his wife in a car accident. If I had to choose one quote, it would be Rose Tremain’s “Life is not a dress rehearsal.”
NOTE: At present, I’m not taking on illustration assignments for self-published picture books or to accompany picture book text for sending out to publishers. For the latter, be aware that most publishers prefer to choose their own illustrations. Please read Harold Underdown’s excellent article on submitting picture books.
Awards and Honours
Canadian Awards and Honours For My Books
Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Finalist (Sam & Eva).
Ontario Library Association Best Bet (Where Are My Books?)
Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) Best Books For Teens And Kids (I’m Bored, Sam & Eva)
Recommended Canadian Reads For Children – Picture Books (Where Are My Books?)
U.S. Awards and Honours For My Books
New York Times Notable Children’s Book (I’m Bored)
Junior Library Guild selection (I’m Bored)
Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award, Winner (Naked!)
Bank Street Best Children’s Book Of The Year Selection Title
The Bulletin Of The Center For Children’s Books Blue Ribbon List (Naked!)
CLEL Bell Picture Book Award Shortlist (CO) (Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva)
ILA Children’s Choices Reading List (I’m Worried)
Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Primary Title (I’m Worried, Where Are My Books?)
Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award, Nominee (I’m Bored)
MSTA Reading Circle List (Where Are My Books?)
Land Of Enchantment RoadRunner Award Nominee (NM) (I’m Sad, Sam & Eva)
Picture This Recommendation List (I’m Worried)
Society Of Illustrators: The Original Art Show juried selection (Sam & Eva)
Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Reading List (Sam & Eva)
Other Awards
Mecklermedia Internet Word Impact Award (1998): Changing The Way People Work
Debbie’s Biography
(Last updated May 3, 2024)
SHORT BIO (74 words):
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.
A SLIGHTLY LONGER BIO (102 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author of Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva, and the upcoming I Want To Read ALL The Books with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. Debbie has helped create over 20 books for young people, including I’m Bored (a New York Times Notable Book) and other picture books written by Michael Ian Black as well as ten Judy Blume chapter books and middle grade titles. Her illustrations also appear in books by Linda Sue Park, Aaron Reynolds, Rob Sanders, and Lauren McLaughlin. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
A BIO WITH MORE OF DEBBIE’S BACKGROUND (141 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator based in Toronto, Canada, whose books include Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva, and the upcoming I Want To Read ALL The Books with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. Formerly a computer programmer and systems analyst at a bank, Ohi shifted her career to focus entirely on writing and illustrating children’s books. Debbie has helped create over 20 books for young people, including I’m Bored (a New York Times Notable Book) and other picture books written by Michael Ian Black as well as ten Judy Blume chapter books and middle grade titles. Her illustrations also appear in books by Linda Sue Park, Aaron Reynolds, Rob Sanders, and Lauren McLaughlin. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
DEBBIE’S BIO, WITH CANADIAN FOCUS (104 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a Toronto-based children’s book author and illustrator whose books include Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva (a Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist), and the upcoming I Want To Read ALL The Books with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. Her illustrations also appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, Linda Sue Park, and others. With author, educator and book blogger Andrea L. Mack, Debbie posts the 3 in 3 (with Tea) series about Canadian children’s books in the classroom. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
DEBBIE’S BIO FOR SCBWI EVENTS (151 words), slightly outdated:
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the award-winning author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers). Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, and Linda Sue Park, among others. Publishers she has worked with include Simon & Schuster, Random House, and HarperCollins. Her most recent book is I’m Sorry, the newest in the I’m… picture book series about emotions, written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie. Debbie is currently working on a middle grade novel, a graphic novel, and a new solo picture book. Debbie was an SCBWI success story; she received her first children’s book contract from Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster after Justin saw her portfolio at the 2010 SCBWI Summer Portfolio Showcase. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com, as well as on Twitter, Substack, Facebook, and Instagram (she also has a Bookstagram).
DEBBIE’S AUTHOR VILLAGE PRESENTER’S BIO (364 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an author and illustrator who has helped create many popular and award-winning books for young people including Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, Linda Sue Park, Aaron Reynolds and others. Book honors include New York Times Notable Children’s Book, Junior Library Guild selection, Kirkus star, Missouri Building Picture Book Award winner (voted most popular by preschool children in Missouri’s public libraries), Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist, Indie Kids’ Next, BCCB Blue Ribbon list.
Debbie is Japanese-Canadian. Her mother was born in Japan, her father in Vancouver (his parents were born in Japan). Debbie graduated from the University Of Toronto with a B.Sc. and worked as a computer programmer/analyst for two years before diving off the corporate cliff to embrace her true passion: creating books for young people. While working toward this goal, she took on part-time work at the Toronto Public Library and a children’s book store as well as teaching piano and flute lessons.
Just a few of the many truths Debbie has learned and that she tries to convey in her presentations and workshops: It’s ok to make mistakes; it means you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and striving to be better. Focus on the joy of your own journey and pass it forward. Making regular time for creative play will help improve your craft.
Debbie is comfortable with both in-person and virtual presentations, and is happy to tailor content for any level of experience. She has given many talks and workshops about writing and illustrating books for young people, and her school presentations always include an emphasis on the importance of reading. For older readers, she also enjoys talking about how to use her books for social-emotional learning in the classroom, behind-the-scenes picture book process, tips on how to get started in writing and illustrating children’s books, and mental health and creativity.
Debbie lives in Toronto with her husband, Jeff. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her reading, playing her Celtic harp, gaming, drawing with her food, and fervently wishing for Hermione’s Time-Turner.
Interview with Author/Illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi
July 18, 2019Authors, Authors + Illustrators, Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments
Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so excited about today’s interview because our guest is…wait for it…
DEBBIE RIDPATH OHI!
I absolutely adore Debbie’s books and I’m thrilled to have her on Critter Lit and share her fabulous interview with you all. Debbie’s newest book, I’M WORRIED, written by Michael Ian Black, just released in June. If you haven’t read this series, you are missing out! I’M WORRIED is the third book in the I’m Bored! Series. The art is playful and wonderful and the text is spot on. Go check these books out! Debbie also offers incredible advice, templates, and posts about writing and illustrating children’s books on her site inkygirl.com.
So without further ado…please welcome Debbie Ridpath Ohi!
DebbieOhi-PhotoAnnieTruuvert-201807-DSC_0410-flat1000.jpg
Where do you live?
I live in Toronto, Canada.
How many years have you been in publishing?
It depends what you mean by publishing.
My first children’s book came out in 2012: I’M BORED was written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by me, and was published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. My first book for grown-ups came out in 2001: THE WRITER’S ONLINE MARKETPLACE published by Writer’s Digest Books.
I think that the first thing I ever had officially published was a series of comics I created when I was in high school which ended up appearing in a cross-Canada newspaper for schools. I ended up winning their overall writing contest - I won a typewriter!
But the very first thing I had unofficially published was a family magazine I created with the aid of my sister and brother called FAMILY WEEKLY. I was the editor, and we all contributed stories, comics, puzzles, contests, and jokes.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi and Michael Ian Black
Debbie Ridpath Ohi and Michael Ian Black
Do you write/illustrate full-time?
Yes!
My first full-time job, was a computer programmer/analyst.
What inspires you to create picture books?
Interacting with young readers.
Michael Ian Black and Debbie talk to young readers at Savoy Bank Street in Westerly, RI
Michael Ian Black and Debbie talk to young readers at Savoy Bank Street in Westerly, RI
What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?
When I first started illustrating picture books, I was amazed at how much creative input I had. I came from a writer’s world, after all, and used to think that a picture book illustrator just illustrated the author’s text. What I found: there is soooooooo much more to being a children’s book illustrator!
If I could give my young self some advice about writing picture books, it would be this: Leave room for your illustrator. Their creative vision matters just as much as yours. I feel incredibly lucky to have been working with authors, art directors and editors who understand this.
What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?
Two favorite things:
The part of the creative process when you fall so deeply into your work that everything else around you disappears.
Talking with young readers.
What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?
Trying not to compare myself to others.
It’s hard not to do this, especially when I’m on social media so much!
The fact is that there are ALWAYS going to be people who seem to be in a better place than me, whether it’s book contracts or awards, bestseller lists, getting more attention and public praise, and so on.
Two things that help the most:
Trying to focus on enjoying my own journey at my own pace.
Talking with young readers and hearing about young readers who love my books. I know I’ve mentioned this earlier, but I do find this helps ground me, reminding me of what’s really important. Sure, I may not have made it onto such-and-such list or someone posted a bad review of my newest book BUT (!!!!) here’s this earnest 2nd-grader who tells me that reading my book inspired her to write a story or draw a picture or helped her in some way.
DebbieReadsImWorried-PotatoPile.png
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
Read books. Get out of my office and take a walk. Going to SCBWI and CANSCAIP events. Hanging out in person with Kidlit friends. Read more books.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
What I find helps me the most: focusing on the FUN, and not being afraid to make mistakes.
For me, this means using inexpensive art materials during creative play. I find it hard to immerse myself in fun creative experimentation if I’m using a piece of watercolor paper that costs $5 a sheet, for example.
Another important factor for me: uninterrupted focus time. This can be as short as 15 minutes, but I need to know that during that 15 minutes, I’m not going to be interrupted. This means no Internet, no phone calls, etc.
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?
Omigosh - this is such a hard question because there have been so many!
Here’s just one: Lee Wardlaw was the first children’s book professional who ever encouraged me in my writing. She was also the one to first tell me about the SCBWI, introduced me to people at my very first conference. After working with me on my first middle grade mss, she introduced me to her agent, Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown. Ginger is now my agent.
Recommended reading?
One of my favorite writing craft books right now is THE MAGIC WORDS: Writing Great Books For Children and Young Adults by Cheryl Klein.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
So many highlights to choose from! I’m grateful for all of them.
But I would say one personal highlight was meeting Judy Blume in person after illustrating some of her revamped middle grade and chapter books with Atheneum / Simon & Schuster Children’s.
Photo by my Simon & Schuster editor Justin Chanda, moments after I burst into tears after Justin introduced me to Judy Blume.
Photo by my Simon & Schuster editor Justin Chanda, moments after I burst into tears after Justin introduced me to Judy Blume.
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?
Working on your craft is important, it’s true, but you also need to get out and start meeting people in the industry. Yes, you are an introvert who dreads the whole idea of “networking” - but you CAN learn how to do it, and will make good friends in the process.
Also, be prepared for rejections. Many, many rejections. Learning how to handle rejection is an essential skill before and after publication.
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Can you tell us about your newest book?
I’M WORRIED is a new picture book written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by me (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers), and is part of the I’M.... series of books about emotions. The first was I’M BORED and the second was I’M SAD.
This newest book in the series is about Potato, who is worried about everything. Because anything might happen. When he tells his friends, he expects them to comfort him by saying that everything will be okay. Except they don’t. Because it might not be, and that’s okay too. Still, there’s one thing they can promise for sure: no matter what happens…they will always be by his side.
Im Worried JKT-1500.jpg
Spread from I’M WORRIED written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Spread from I’M WORRIED written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Spread from I’M WORRIED written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Spread from I’M WORRIED written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Spread from I’M WORRIED written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Spread from I’M WORRIED written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
What’s up next for you?
I’m working on illustrations for GURPLE & PREEN, a picture book story written by Linda Sue Park. I’m excited about this project because Linda Sue wrote it especially for me to illustrate with my broken crayon art! Our book is coming out from Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers in 2020.
Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
Intelligent perseverance is as important as talent.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
So hard to choose! I’m torn between Back To The Future (1985) and E.T. (1982).
Huge thank you to Debbie for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited about all of your fabulous books! Congrats on all your success!
DEBBIE RIDPATH OHI is the author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? (2015) and Sam & Eva (Simon & Schuster, 2017). Her writing and/or illustrations have appeared in over 20 books for young people, including titles by Michael Ian Black, Judy Blume, Rob Sanders, Aaron Reynolds, Lauren McLaughlin and Colby Sharp. Her newest book is I'm Worried, a sequel to NY Times Notable I'm Bored and I'm Sad, written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie. Debbie posts about reading, writing and illustrating children’s books at Inkygirl.com. You can find out more about Debbie and her work at DebbieOhi.com as well as on Twitter at @inkyelbows and Instagram at @inkygirl.
Interview and GIVEAWAY with author and illustrator Debbi Ridpath Ohi about the newest book in the I’M… series that she illustrated, authored by Michael Ian Black: I’M SORRY
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez Artists, Giveaway, Interviews August 11, 2021 9 Minutes
Hi Math is Everywhere Readers,
I am totally fan-girling today because Debbie Ridpath Ohi is one of the first picture book artists I fell head-over-heels for! Why, you ask? Well, first I’m Sad is so hilarious AND Debbie does so much for kids as well as authors and illustrators on her website and on social media, always encouraging the best from everyone. Note: check out her broken crayon art! Today we get to talk about the next book in the series that I fell in love with immediately, the I’M… series, and this newest book is called I”M SORRY.
Kaitlyn: Hi, Debbie, thank you so much for joining us!
Debbie: Thank you for inviting me to visit your blog, Kaitlyn!
Kaitlyn: It’s so great to have you, and thank you, too, for sharing this important story with the world. Can you share how you were chosen for this series and why you’ve continued to create art for this fun series?
Debbie: I feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen for the I’M…. picture book series! The first title in the series, I’m Bored, was actually my very first children’s book illustration contract EVER. When Justin Chanda of Simon & Schuster Children’s saw my portfolio in the SCBWI Summer Conference Showcase in 2010, he was looking for someone to illustrate Michael Ian Black’s newest picture book mss. He sent samples to Michael, and Michael approved. I’m grateful to both (and SCBWI) for helping to give me my first big break! You can read my post about what happened on the KidLitArtists blog.
Kaitlyn: Wow, that’s amazing! How many illustrators get to say their first book is now a series of books? Can you share why you think stories like these are so important for our little ones to read about?
Debbie: Young readers (and not-so-young readers) need to understand that emotions can be complicated sometimes, and that no matter how they’re feeling, it’s okay. As Michael said, “…It’s good to know we have people (or potatoes) in our lives who won’t think any less of us for feeling the way we feel and who will still love us no matter what.”
In I’m Sorry, the Potato learns how to give a genuine apology – to recognize what happened and how the other person feels, acknowledge responsibility. One of my hopes for the I’M… books is that they’ll help jumpstart conversations about difficult emotions.
Kaitlyn: The I’m… series definitely starts those conversations and also provides fun, comedy (especially through your art) to make these ethics relatable. Can you share how you came up with these characters after reading the first manuscript in the series?
Debbie: I had a lot of fun brainstorming how to draw these characters, especially the Potato. I actually went to our local grocery store and bought different types and shapes of potatoes. And then, of course, I interviewed them:
For the Little Girl, I came up with a bunch of options and sent some to my editor (Justin Chanda) and art director (Laurent Linn):
They ended up liking Option C the most, especially the simple drawing of the crabby girl with pigtails, and that’s the one I developed into the final character.
Kaitlyn: Omg, I was laughing so hard at your “interviewing potatoes” comic here! And wow Justin and Laurent and you? What an amazing team! As most of us know, art is half the story in picture books, and even cooler is how wonderful artists like you add so much extra to the story, Debbie. Can you share something about the art that others may not have noticed that you put in to make this even more fun?
Debbie: In I’m Sorry, there is an illustration where the Potato is fantasizing about an Apology Sandwich (the imaginary sequences are drawn in turquoise). To help me come up with a big, messy sandwich, I asked my Twitter followers for suggestions:
I received all kinds of great suggestions, including from Kate Messner, Julie Hampton, MocaMouse, Angela Misri, Leah Rose Kessler and Kellie DuBay Gillis. Here is the final sandwich drawing:
Kaitlyn: Hahahaha! The Twitter community can be so great, especially when asked a fantastic question like this, Debbie! Can you share who your team is behind this book (editor, art director, designer, whoever too worked with the most that you’d like to talk about) and why it was so wonderful to work with this person?
Debbie: As I mentioned earlier, Justin Chanda is the Simon & Schuster Children’s editor who “discovered” me through my portfolio in 2010. He is a BRILLIANT editor. I love that he can easily switch between his publisher and editor hats, and is so good at helping me step back and see the bigger picture. He helps me see into the heart of every story, whether it’s on the writing or illustration side.
Laurent Linn is my wonderful art director at S&S, and I also feel incredibly lucky to be working with him. I love his creativity and how he pushes me as an illustrator. He’s SO fun to work with! I love his sense of whimsy. Plus (and this is a BIGGIE when it comes to art direction), he is an EXCELLENT communicator, able to give me concrete advice as well as conceptual feedback.
(Above photo was taken at Books Of Wonder in NYC. From L to R: Laurent Linn, me, Justin Chanda, Michael Ian Black)
Kaitlyn: This team sounds absolutely brilliant! I had the pleasure of Laurent speak at the SCBWI conference recently, and it was just a joy! Can you share who your agent is and why you enjoy working with this agent?
Debbie: My agent is Ginger Knowlton, who is Executive VP at Curtis Brown Ltd. I adore Ginger.
Here are just some reasons why:
Also:
Kaitlyn: Hahaha! Another comic that I just adore. I love that you share best through art; it definitely tells me you chose the right profession. Since you’re such an amazing illustrator, can you share some advice you like to give to aspiring illustrators?
Debbie: If you aspire to illustrate children’s picture books, I strongly advise you to READ them. I come across so many hopeful children’s book illustrators who aren’t really familiar with the genre, except from what they remember in their childhood. Read as many picture books as you can, and a wide variety. Look closely at how the art and text complement each other.
Connect with other children’s book creators. Join the SCBWI and (in Canada) CANSCAIP.
When putting together your portfolio, be aware that just being good at design and drawing does not mean you will automatically be good at illustrating children’s books. I recommend browsing some of the portfolio advice at KidLitArtists.com for tips.
Kaitlyn: Wow! This is some amazing advice (I hope you’re taking notes, readers!) Debbie, can you share how you and your team are working on marketing this book? Is it different to market a series?
Debbie: Marketing and publicizing books is more of a challenge these days because of the pandemic, but I’m grateful to be working with the team at Simon & Schuster Children’s. I just recently had a Zoom meeting with my S&S publicist, Shivani Annirood, and there are some exciting plans in the works which I can’t really talk about yet.
However, speaking for myself: I’m soon going to post a special giveaway for those who pre-order I’M SORRY from an indie bookstore by mid-August! In addition to special signed bookplates by both Michael and me, I’ll be giving art, books and book-themed jewelry.
Kaitlyn: Did you say JEWELERY??? That’s so cool, and readers, I hope you’re following Debbie on social media so you don’t miss these giveaways! Wishing you the best of luck for great marketing with your team, Debbi. Can you please share with us what’s next for you or what you’re working on now?
Debbie: My current picture book project is a yet-untitled sequel to SAM & EVA. Super-excited about this solo project, which is a story within a story and involves found object art.
I’m also working on a yet-uncontracted middle grade novel. I put this on the back burner years ago when I began illustrating picture books, but haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. It was nominated by Jen Rofé for the Sue Alexander “Most Promising New Work” Award a while back – it didn’t win, but just being nominated was a reminder to myself to NOT give up on my dream of getting my middle grade novels published. This is my fifth middle grade novel project. I never sent out the first, the second is what helped get me my awesome agent. The second and third received increasingly nicer rejections, so I could tell I was getting better. I never sent out the fourth, not even to my agent, because I could tell that it didn’t have a strong enough concept.
I am VERY keen on finishing and sending out my current middle grade. I can’t control if it will ever get published, of course….all I can do is make sure I FINISH it. After I send it out, of course, I’m not going to just wait. I have other middle grade project ideas waiting to be finished, including a graphic novel. Please cross your fingers for me!
Kaitlyn: You are so amazing and inspiring. We can’t predict which books will be published, but we can keep creating. I, for one, hope all of your books get published. And I can’t wait to have you back to talk about the found object art PB! Finally, if you could meet your favorite author, illustrator, historical figure, or mathematician, would you chat by a fireside or go on an adventure?
Debbie: I would have loved to go on an adventure with Ray Bradbury and see the world through his eyes. The adventure, of course, would include many fireside chats!
Kaitlyn: Oh that sounds wonderful, count me in please! Thank you so much for sharing and for joining us today, Debbie!
Debbie: Thank YOU, Kaitlyn!
Kaitlyn: It’s been an absolute pleasure!
Black, Michael Ian: I'M SORRY.
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Date: June 15, 2021
From: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher: Kirkus Media LLC
Document Type: Book review; Children's review; Brief article
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Black, Michael Ian I'M SORRY Simon & Schuster (Children's None) $17.99 8, 31 ISBN: 978-1-5344-1588-1
A potato apologizes to a flamingo.
We don’t exactly know what Potato said to Flamingo, but we know it was hurtful enough for Flamingo to be sad and Potato to feel awful about it. The White, pigtailed child who has rounded out the trio in such previous humorous social-emotional titles as I’m Bored (2012), I’m Sad (2018), and I’m Worried (2019) works on resolving this conflict, emphasizing to Potato that he needs to apologize and that giving Flamingo a sandwich or disguising himself as a cowboy won’t do the trick. Of course Potato apologizes, and of course Flamingo accepts after emphasizing how hurtful the comment was, but the resolution feels unearned. We never learn what, exactly, Potato said to Flamingo. It’s unclear why Potato feels gut-wrenching remorse but is unable to apologize given that a more-common reaction is denial or justification. The conflict seems straightforward and one-sided rather than reflecting the messy realities that come when children (or anyone) hurt each other’s feelings. And the end gag with penguins feels extraneous rather than integral. Apologizing well is a hard and important skill to learn, and this theme comes with countless possible interpretations. Black’s addition is well meaning but adds little complexity to the challenging concept.
Sorry, but this is not the best in the series. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Black, Michael Ian: I'M SORRY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 June 2021, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A667041904/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=70b5f718. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure.
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Author: Elissa Gershowitz
Date: Sept-Oct 2020
From: The Horn Book Magazine(Vol. 96, Issue 5)
Publisher: The Horn Book, Inc.
Document Type: Brief article
Length: 284 words
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Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure
by Linda Sue Park;
illus. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Preschool, Primary Simon 48 pp. g
8/20 978-1-5344-3141-6 $17.99
e-book ed. 978-1-5344-3142-3 $10.99
Gurple (a gangly purple robot with green appendages) and Preen (a diminutive green robot with some neat purple accessories) have crash-landed on an alien planet. Their cargo--a bunch of brand-new crayons--has scattered everywhere, and the robots must retrieve it all. The crayons are actually containers; it's not until breaking them that the robots (and we) can see what's inside. Gurple is perplexed and frustrated ("a TABLECLOTH? What are we supposed to do with that?"); Preen (who communicates in beeps) thoughtfully gets to work repairing the ship. Finally, the mission's commander is released from her crayon, and after being brought up to speed, the explorers are on their way, blasting back off into outer space. The last page brings us down to Earth, as the "commander" is revealed to be a little girl in her bedroom, surrounded by robot toys, crayons, and space-and-science paraphernalia--gazing out her bedroom window at the night sky. In the category of they-were-toys-all-along picture books, this one stands out, as the child's imagined scenarios--and Park's and Ohi's storytelling--are particularly creative and freewheeling. The dialogue, especially Gurple's interjections ("Zap my apps!" "Bits and bytes!"), is bright and witty, as are the digital crayon-box illustrations with lots of dimension and plenty to look at--and starring an endearing android odd-couple pair. ELISSA GERSHOWITZ
g indicates that the book was read in galley or page proof. The publisher's price is the suggested retail price and does not indicate a possible discount to libraries. Grade levels are only suggestions; the individual child is the real criterion.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.hbook.com/magazine/default.asp
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Gershowitz, Elissa. "Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 96, no. 5, Sept.-Oct. 2020, pp. 70+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A635067840/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5d7be125. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Gurple and Preen
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Author: Kay Weisman
Date: Aug. 1, 2020
From: Booklist(Vol. 116, Issue 22)
Publisher: American Library Association
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 191 words
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Gurple and Preen. By Linda Sue Park. Illus. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Aug. 2020. 48p. Simon & Schuster, $ 17.99 (9781534431416). PreS-Gr. 2.
Two robots, purple-hued Gurple and greentinged Preen, crash-land on an alien planet, spilling their cargo of magical crayons. Gurple breaks several--each snap releasing a random item from the crayon (a tablecloth, quails, a skateboard, some lights, a hockey stick, and a lampshade)--and becomes progressively more frustrated by the objects' perceived uselessness. Meanwhile, clever Preen quietly gathers everything up, fabricating repairs for their disabled ship. With the help of some final articles (toilet paper and a panda), Preen completes the repairs, three child commanders appear, and the ship blasts off again. A final illustration depicts a young girl in bed gazing at the moon, surrounded by objects from the story. Park's homage to creativity underscores how handy unlikely items can be; Preen ties the tablecloth to gather the crayons, which the quails then ferry to the ship, for example. Ohis brightly hued digital illustrations combine hyperrealistic crayons (resembling photographs) with less vibrant cartoon art that seems to be drawn with crayons. A clever nod to imagination and ingenuity.--Kay Weisman
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Weisman, Kay. "Gurple and Preen." Booklist, vol. 116, no. 22, 1 Aug. 2020, p. 73. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A633842042/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0cd57e9c. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Park, Linda Sue: GURPLE AND PREEN
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Date: July 1, 2020
From: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher: Kirkus Media LLC
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 255 words
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Park, Linda Sue GURPLE AND PREEN Simon & Schuster (Children's None) $17.99 8, 25 ISBN: 978-1-5344-3141-6
Seemingly insurmountable problems are defeated one step at a time.
Gurple, a purple robot, is bereft. Her spaceship has crashed, and all the giant crayons that serve as cargo pods have spilled out. Each crayon, when broken in half, might yield something to fix the ship, but to Gurple’s consternation their contents seem useless. Only Preen, Gurple’s faithful, mostly silent companion sees this “junk” for what it is. A string of lights, a skateboard, a hockey stick, and even a lampshade all have their uses. When the ship’s multiracial human crew awakens from suspended animation, the ship is fixed. How? As Gurple translates for Preen, “the way you do anything hard…step by step by step.” Seeming chaos can overwhelm young and old alike, so Park’s message to take it slow should be appreciated by all (she even works in a clever reference to Anne Lamotte’s classic writing manual, Bird by Bird). Readers who peer closely at the logic of the book, though, may find themselves scratching their heads. Why do the crayons yield such disparate, unrelated items? Who is the kid staring out the window at the moon at the end of the book? Fortunately, the lively cartoon art, featuring digitally collaged crayons, is consistently bright, colorful, and funny. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 53% of actual size.)
A bumpy ride to a worthy message that’s still worth the trip. (Picture book. 4-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Park, Linda Sue: GURPLE AND PREEN." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2020. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A627920110/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=8d172f09. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
I'm Sad
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Author: Michael Ian Black
Date: Aug. 2018
From: Children's Bookwatch
Publisher: Midwest Book Review
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 171 words
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Everyone feels sad sometimes--even flamingos. Sigh. When Flamingo announces he's feeling down, the little girl and Potato try to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work. Not even dirt! (Which usually works for Potato.) Flamingo learns that he will not always feel this way. And his friends learn that sometimes being a friend means you don't have to cheer someone up. You just have to stick by your pal no matter how they feel. Even if they're a potato! "I'm Sad" is the charming picture book sequel to "I'm Bored" by author and comedian Michael Ian Black and gifted illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi, making it an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4 to 8.
Michael Ian Black, author
Debbie Ridpath Ohi, illustrator
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481476270, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
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Black, Michael Ian. "I'm Sad." Children's Bookwatch, Aug. 2018. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A554042268/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=22fd77e1. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Black, Michael Ian: I'M SAD
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Date: May 15, 2018
From: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher: Kirkus Media LLC
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 217 words
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Black, Michael Ian I'M SAD Simon & Schuster (Children's Fiction) $17.99 6, 5 ISBN: 978-1-4814-7627-0
Bibliotherapy done right.
In their latest picture-book collaboration, Black and Ohi (I'm Bored, 2012) serve up some good life lessons with the help of a quirky trio of friends: a child with a dress and pigtails; a talking flamingo, who is the titular sad character; and an anthropomorphic potato. As the flamingo expresses its sadness and the other characters, in their own ways, try to provide comfort, the text is delivered entirely in color-coded dialogue, and Ohi's spare visual aesthetic matches the writing's restraint. The stolid potato's lines provide ample comic relief, while the human child exudes empathy. No reason is ever given for the flamingo's sadness, and neither the child's many ideas for cheering it up, nor the potato's one idea ("Dirt!" and "Soil!") help. The child assures the flamingo that it's OK to be sad, but finally, a just-this-side-of-mean wisecrack from the potato gets everyone, including the flamingo, laughing. "I still feel a little bit sad, but I also feel a little bit better," the flamingo says on the penultimate page, and here Ohi depicts the friends in silhouette, which provides a gently melancholy tone for the sweet conclusion.
Happy to see such a well-done feelings book. (Picture book. 3-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Black, Michael Ian: I'M SAD." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2018. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A538294038/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=8b6547d4. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Sam & Eva
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Author: Megan Dowd Lambert
Date: November-December 2017
From: The Horn Book Magazine(Vol. 93, Issue 6)
Publisher: The Horn Book, Inc.
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 242 words
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Sam & Eva
by Debbie Ridpath Ohi; illus. by the author
Primary Simon 40 pp.
10/17 978-1-4814-1628-3 $17.99
e-book ed. 978-1-4814-1629-0 $10.99
Creative differences lead to clashes in this metafictive story about two artistic kids, Sam and Eva, whose pictures take on a life of their own. Throughout, the children's drawings are rendered in a naive style that emulates kids' art-making, while Sam and Eva themselves are depicted in a more realistic (albeit flat) cartoon style. The story begins when Eva encounters Sam drawing what she thinks is a pony on the open, white background space that dominates beginning spreads. With not a little disdain communicated through his body language and curt response, Sam corrects her: "It's a velociraptor." Eva persists in trying to engage him, however, adding orange ears to the green velociraptor, but Sam erases them with a cloth. Determined, Eva draws her own creature and thus instigates a drawing duel in which it's soon apparent that the pictures she and Sam make are acting out their creators' emotions. The pictures fill more and more space, with their inhabitants attacking each other to humorous effect: exploding confetti, eyes that shoot lightning, and so on.
But eventually, the sentient drawings' high jinks overwhelm Sam and Eva, who (in a nod to Harold and his purple crayon) draw a doorway to escape into another place with a pristine white background ready for their new drawings. And this time? They happily draw together.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.hbook.com/magazine/default.asp
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Lambert, Megan Dowd. "Sam & Eva." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 93, no. 6, Nov.-Dec. 2017, pp. 84+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A515012603/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e854b97b. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Sam & Eva
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Date: Aug. 14, 2017
From: Publishers Weekly(Vol. 264, Issue 33)
Publisher: PWxyz, LLC
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 196 words
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Sam & Eva
Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4814-1628-3
Ohi (Where Are My Books?) celebrates creativity and cooperation in this story of two young artists, Sam and Eva, who don't see eye to eye (they can't even agree on a medium--she uses paint, he prefers chalk). "I like your pony," Eva says, walking onto the scene as Sam is seen drawing on a blank, white wall. "It's a velociraptor," Sam replies tersely. Thus begins a series of assumptions and disagreements that escalate as their drawings spring to life and do battle: Eva's orange marmot is revealed to be a secret superhero, Sam's raptor shoots lightning from his eyes, pianos fall, confetti explodes, and Eva stomps off, tired of fighting for control over the story unfolding in their artwork. Ohi paints the children in grayscale, letting the vivid, colorful chaos of their mural-in-progress reflect the intensity of their feelings and the wildness of their imaginations. Eventually the two reconcile, and although the final pages tease another potential argument, readers will finish the book confident that these two will work through their creative differences once again. Ages 4-8. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. (Oct.)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Sam & Eva." Publishers Weekly, vol. 264, no. 33, 14 Aug. 2017, pp. 77+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A501717200/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=4dccbb9c. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Ohi, Debbie: SAM & EVA
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Date: Aug. 1, 2017
From: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher: Kirkus Media LLC
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 232 words
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Ohi, Debbie SAM & EVA Simon & Schuster (Children's Fiction) $17.99 10, 17 ISBN: 978-1-4814-1628-3
A power tussle between two kids plays out through mischievous drawings."Sam had just begun to draw when Eva arrived." Sam looks surprised to see Eva appear; Eva smiles broadly. Eva compliments Sam's pony, sketched in a few green lines; "It's a velociraptor," corrects Sam, unthrilled. Eva "suggest[s] a collaboration" by adding to Sam's drawing without permission; Sam "decline[s]" by smudging out Eva's work with a rag. Their canvas is the blank white wall of whatever room they're in; Eva paints on it, Sam draws on it. They seesaw control over the mural's content: Sam's giant piano falls from the sky to squash Eva's creatures; Eva changes the piano into confetti and makes it tickle the creatures instead of squashing them. Eva, metafictively, paints over the text's descriptions and rewords them to match her newest drawing. Ohi's illustrations are digital. The childlike drawings on the wall are in color but bland; however, the kids themselves, rendered in black and white, sparkle. Eva, who's Asian, and Sam, who's black, are full of movement, their postures and facial expressions different on every spread. When their mural becomes frantic and out of hand, the kids escape in a way that Crockett Johnson's Harold would be proud of. Expressive, high-spirited one-upkidship via artwork on walls--there's nothing wrong with that. (Picture book. 4-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Ohi, Debbie: SAM & EVA." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2017. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A499572516/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5b06e48c. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Ohi, Debbie Ridpath: I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS.
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Date: July 15, 2024
From: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher: Kirkus Media LLC
Document Type: Book review; Children's review; Brief article
Length: 247 words
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Ohi, Debbie Ridpath I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS Simon & Schuster (Children's None) $18.99 9, 17 ISBN: 9781481416306
A precocious young reader has a lot of questions.
When Hana wonders where rain comes from, her mom suggests a book that might answer her question. "I'm going to read ALL THE BOOKS," Hana decides. "That way I'll be able to answer all the questions." She begins her task with gusto and quickly devours all her own nonfiction books and all her adventure, funny, and spooky fiction before making her way through her brother Kenji's books and all the rest in the house: "Mystery books! Self-help books! Romance! Science fiction!" After Hana reads all the books in the neighborhood, her mom takes her to the local library, where the librarian helps her find as many books as she can read, as quickly as possible--but a visit to the big central library quickly overwhelms the determined patron. If no one can read all the books, what's the point of reading any? Luckily, Hana's mom and a wise librarian propose that she share her love of reading with friends and family--and even the scruffy family dog joins in the fun. Accompanied by muted, simple artwork, the straightforward, somewhat preachy story is light on drama or tension, though Hana's enthusiasm will resonate with young bibliophiles. Hana and her family are brown-skinned with straight dark hair; her community is diverse.
Slightly self-congratulatory but sweet encouragement for library patrons. (Picture book. 5-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Ohi, Debbie Ridpath: I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 July 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A801499506/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c6c4aa4d. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
BLACK, Michael Ian. I'm Sorry.
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Author: Emily Brush
Date: Oct. 2021
From: School Library Journal(Vol. 67, Issue 10)
Publisher: Library Journals, LLC
Document Type: Book review; Children's review; Brief article
Length: 237 words
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BLACK, Michael Ian. I'm Sorry. illus. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. 40p. S. & S. Sept. 2021. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781534415881.
PreS-Gr 3--A girl, a potato, and a flamingo walk into a book--and the author is back with another installment in his series exploring feelings. A young, pale-skinned girl with dark pigtails encounters her friend Flamingo nursing some bruised feelings. The girl discovers that their mutual friend Potato dished out some hurtful words. Readers never learn what words were spoken, but the girl insists that Potato must hash things out with Flamingo. Potato is nervous, aware that he must get to the root of the issue. Instead, the spud humorously suggests whipping up a towering sandwich for Flamingo, fleeing to live with penguins in the South Pole (who have mastered the selfie stick), or choosing to live as a wanted outlaw. Potato complains that "saying I'm sorry is maybe the hardest thing to say in the entire world." Ohi's digitally rendered illustrations are boldly colored and outlined in thick black lines. The colors of dialogue for the girl, Potato, and Flamingo cleverly match an identifying feature of each character, assisting readers in following along. With a more serious tone than other books in the series, Black manages to season Potato's tough task with witty banter. VERDICT This book that playfully demonstrates how to apologize and forgive is a good title for SEL collections. --Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Brush, Emily. "BLACK, Michael Ian. I'm Sorry." School Library Journal, vol. 67, no. 10, Oct. 2021, pp. 67+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A678583549/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=f57cce9f. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
BLACK, Michael Ian. I'm Worried
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Author: Barbara Auerbach
Date: June 2019
From: School Library Journal(Vol. 65, Issue 6)
Publisher: Library Journals, LLC
Document Type: Book review; Brief article; Children's review
Length: 254 words
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BLACK, Michael Ian. I'm Worried. illus. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. 40p. (The I'm Books). S. & S. Jun. 2019. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781534415867.
PreS-Gr 2--An anxious brown potato tells his friends--a little girl and a pink flamingo--that he is plagued with worries about the future. Aliens, clowns, volcanoes, pop quizzes, meteors ... he is sure that something bad is just around the corner. But instead of reassurance, the wise child admits, "nobody knows what's going to happen," which causes their fine feathered friend to utter, "Urn, now I'M worried." The level-headed girl points out that even though bad things have indeed happened to them all, "over time they turned out okay." Not convinced, both the spud and bird wrap themselves in bubble wrap, which turns out to be yet "another bad thing." The child then explains that worrying doesn't help, and that they should both learn to "enjoy the now." Relieved, Potato realizes "Enjoying the now is way better than worrying about the future!" Minimal text and improbable, yet sympathetic characters offer a humorous solution to a serious problem. Worriers of all ages will embrace the catchphrase, "enjoy the now" and learn that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Large, bold, digitally rendered illustrations appear on oversized pages against a white background. All three characters wear their emotions on their sleeves. Share with Kevin Henkes's Wemberly Worried for a lighthearted look at a common concern. VERDICT A fun, reassuring storytime selection or one-on-one read for overly anxious children.--Barbara Auerbach, Cairo Public Library, NY
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Auerbach, Barbara. "BLACK, Michael Ian. I'm Worried." School Library Journal, vol. 65, no. 6, June 2019, p. 60. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A587876116/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=84ddb561. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.