Wednesday
Aug182021
Inkygirl is now part of DebbieOhi.com!
This website has now been folded into my main DebbieOhi.com website, so please adjust your bookmarks. Thank you!
Welcome to Inkygirl: Reading, Writing and Illustrating Children's Books (archive list here) which includes my Creating Picture Books series, Advice For Young Writers and Illustrators, Writer's and Illustrator's Guide To Twitter, Interviews With Authors And Illustrators, #BookADay archives, writing/publishing industry surveys, and 250, 500, 1000 Words/Day Writing Challenge. Also see my Inkygirl archives, and comics for writers. Also check out my Print-Ready Archives for Teachers, Librarians, Booksellers and Young Readers.
I tweet about the craft and business of writing and illustrating at @inkyelbows. If you're interested in my art or other projects, please do visit DebbieOhi.com. Thanks for visiting! -- Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Wednesday
Aug112021
#PitMad, Telugu Culture and Kalamkari Art, GOODNIGHT GANESHA: Interview with Nadia Salomon and Poonam Mistry
I met Nadia Salomon through the SCBWI and am also familiar with her online. I love her enthusiasm, positive outlook, and the support she has shown fellow members of the kidlit community over the years! I was excited to get a sneak peek of GOODNIGHT GANESHA, her debut as a picture book author. The bedtime story celebrates nigthtime rituals as two young children visit their grandparents in India. SUCH gorgeous illustrations by Poonam Mistry. Thanks to both Nadia and Poonam for answering some questions about the book as well as their advice for young writers and illustrators!
Monday
Jul122021
Graphic novels, RPGs and Advice For Young Writers: Interview with Brian McLachlan (COMPLETE THE QUEST: THE POISONOUS LIBRARY)
Brian McLachlan is a cartoonist who's worked for Nickelodeon, The Nib and the New Yorker. He writes the monthly comic Spruce Street Squad for Owl Magazine. His book, Draw Out The Story: 10 Secrets to Creating Your Own Comics is an ILA-nonfiction award winner. Each Tuesday he hosts a group of artists in a PG-13 game of Dungeons & Dragons where they live draw what happens in game on Twitch, called Magical Marker ( MM ). You can find Brian at his website, on Twitter, and Instagram.
Monday
Jul122021
SOUP DAY by Melissa Iwai: A Soul-Satisfying, Delicious Comfort Read
I've been gradually adding new and older BookADay posts to my new Bookstagram. One of the most recent:
SOUP DAY by Melissa Iwai (Henry Holt): Celebrates the importance of making a nutritious meal and sharing in the process as a famly. Also be sure to check out Melissa's newest book, DUMPLINGS FOR LILI (Norton Young Readers).
by 
Debbie Ridpath Ohi in BookADay
Debbie Ridpath Ohi in BookADay Wednesday
Jul072021
"An hour a day can be enough." Victor Piñeiro Gives Writing Advice and Discusses His MG Debut TIME VILLAINS
When your novel is deemed "the greatest idea for a book ever", you're probably on to something. That certainly seems to be the case for debut author Victor Piñeiro, whose novel Time Villains has garnered a starred review from Kirkus and a spot as an Amazon Best Book of the Month. The book promises time-hopping high jinx, historic and literary Easter eggs, and even some one-sentence Puerto Rican recipes.
Time Villains follows sandwich-obsessed Javi Santiago, who has to nail his homework assignment if he wants to pass sixth grade. The assignment seems simple enough: if you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be? Plus, Javi has his best friend Wiki and little sister Brady to help him. What could go wrong? Turns out, a lot...
Monday
Jul052021
Advice for young writers from Troy Wilson, author of GOLDIBOOKS AND THE WEE BEAR (illustrated by Edwardian Taylor)
;)
Just read (and loved) a fun reimagining of the classic fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears: GOLDIBOOKS AND THE WEE BEAR, written by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor, published earlier this year by Running Press Kids.
Monday
Jun282021
Behind-the-scenes peek into picture book writing & illustration process with Hazel Mitchell (SWEET PEA SUMMER, Candlewick)
Hazel Mitchell has helped create more than twenty children's books, including her award-winning picture book Toby (Candlewick Press). Her illustrations appear in books by Cynthia Lord, JaNay Brown-Wood (Imani's Moon was mentioned on the Stephen Colbert show!), Lynn Parrish Sutton, Liza Gardner Walsh and others. You can find out more about Hazel and her work at HazelMitchell.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sunday
Jun272021
Advice for young writers from Anna Lazowski, debut picture book author of T.REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES (illustrated by Steph Laberis)
Looking for a hugely entertaining alphabet book that also has an uplifting message of empowerment for young readers? I highly recommend T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES by Anna Lazowski and Steph Laberis, launching June 29th, 2021 from Doubleday Books For Young Readers. The back matter also has an alphabetized factoid list of "all the amazing things animals CAN do!"
Monday
Jun142021
How A Picture Book Got Turned Into A Graphic Novel: Interview with Ken Lamug (MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM)
Author-illustrator Ken Lamug has created award-winning picture books and graphic novels. Born in the Philippines, Ken moved to the US with his entire family during his teenage years. His new middle grade graphic novel, MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM: BORN TO BE BAD, launches this week from Katherine Tegen Books / HarperCollins!
Thursday
Jun102021
Writing Routines, Agent Queries, and Rollercoaster POVs: Jake Maia Arlow on Her MG Debut ALMOST FLYING
Sweaty palms, shaking limbs, and the distinct possibility of puking. Am I describing riding a rollercoaster or having a crush in middle school? These two thrill rides collide in Jake Maia Arlow's MG debut Almost Flying.
The novel follows thirteen-year-old Dalia, who has planned the perfect summer: finally ride a rollercoaster and make a new best friend. But when Dalia realizes she might have more-than-friend feelings for the new girl on her swim team, Rani, things start to get complicated.
Saturday
Jun052021
Reading During The Pandemic: Poll Results
Thanks to all who responded to my Reading Habits poll! I've posted the results below. Please keep in mind that this survey was informal and in no way meant to be an accurate reflection of the industry as a whole. You can see my other informal surveys and polls here.
And here are the results....
Friday
May212021
Donalyn Miller's 13th Annual #BookADay Challenge!
Hurray, it's time for Donalyn Miller's #BookADay challenge! The rules are forgiving and flexible.
For more information, see Donalyn's post in the Nerdy Book Club.
I will be keeping track of my #BookADay posts in my BookADay and Book Recommendation page.
Tuesday
May042021
Korean Witches, the Power of Revision, and Challenging Your Characters: Graci Kim on Her MG Debut THE LAST FALLEN STAR
From Graci Kim, you should expect the unexpected. A Korean-Kiwi diplomat turned cooking show host turned author, who ran away with the circus in pursuit of a Colombian tightrope walker, Graci is bringing us a novel about Korean witch clans in LA, who conduct ancient rituals and shop at H-Mart.
The Last Fallen Star, Graci's MG debut, follows Riley Oh, the only "saram" (non-magic person) in her family of healing witches. After a forbidden spell turns disastrous, Riley must find "the last fallen star" to save her sister's life.
Wednesday
Apr072021
"I hope it sparks conversations about our shared humanity and the things we have in common.” Debut PB Author M.O. Yuksel and Illustrator Hatem Aly on IN MY MOSQUE
M.O. Yuksel never imagined she would be an author, but that changed when she was asked to read to her son's preschool class a picture book about a Muslim holiday. Unable to find such a book suited to her son's age group, she decided to write one herself, launching her journey to authorship. After years of writing and rejection, M.O. published In My Mosque, her literary debut.
In My Mosque celebrates the diversity, traditions, and joy we can find in mosques around the world. It serves as a beautiful introduction to Muslims and Islam and reminds us that mosques are welcoming centres for community and love.
Wednesday
Mar032021
Starting Big Changes with Small Steps: Charlotte Offsay (Debut PB Author) and Illustrator Katie Rewse on THE BIG BEACH CLEANUP
One morning, when she was walking her young children to school, Charlotte Offsay picked up a piece of trash and threw it in a nearby garbage can. She had no idea that this simple action would spark a conversation with her children about doing their part to keep the environment clean, which would inspire her literary debut, The Big Beach Cleanup.
The Big Beach Cleanup follows Cora, a young girl excited to enter a sandcastle competition. When Cora learns that the fun has been cancelled because there is too much trash on the beach, she and her Mama get to work cleaning up. But they soon realize they can't do it alone.
Wednesday
Feb172021
Happy I Read Canadian Day!
Happy I Read Canadian Day! You don't have to be Canadian to celebrate. One suggestion: Read a book by a children's book creator for 15 minutes, then share your experience your experience with others. You can see what others are posting by browsing the #IReadCanadianDay hashtag on Twitter and other social media.
Looking for Canadian children's book creators? Some suggestions to start:
Bibliovideo's Youtube channel - includes illustrator demonstrations & activities for young readers
CANSCAIP's member directory - you can search for book creators in your area
Also check out Canadian children's book creator Marty Chan's "I Read Canadian Day" pre-show:
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 8:21 AM | Post a Comment | Email Article | Share Article | Permalink Monday
Feb082021
Cover reveal, inspiration & apologies: I'M SORRY by Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi (launching Aug.31, 2021 from Simon & Schuster)
I am *very* excited to reveal the cover of I'M SORRY, which launches from Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers on August 31, 2021! This is the newest in the I'M.... picture book series written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by me (Debbie Ridpath Ohi). Don't you love Laurent Linn's brilliant cover design? Thanks to Michael Ian Black for answering a few questions for me....
Wednesday
Feb032021
"I hope young readers walk away with the knowledge that their voice matters!" Chrystal D. Giles on Her Debut MG Novel TAKE BACK THE BLOCK
When I reached out to Chrystal D. Giles back in November 2020, the excitement around Take Back the Block was already palpable. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and Kids' IndieNext Pick, the novel has garnered praise from numerous authors and a starred review from School Library Journal.
Take Back the Block follows Wes, a funny, stylish sixth-grader who finds himself thrown into a movement to save his community from a powerful developer.
Tuesday
Jan262021
Video interview with Basil & Kevin Sylvester about THE FABULOUS ZED WATSON!, which launches *TODAY*
I am thrilled to be interviewing Basil Sylvester and Kevin Sylvester about their new middle grade book, THE FABULOUS ZED WATSON!, which launches *today* from HarperCollins. You can attend the virtual launch party tomorrow (Jan.27) courtesy Glad Day Bookshop and HarperCollinsCanada: see the Facebook Event Page and Glad Day Lit TV page.