In At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride by Freya Novak, Dallas Dingo takes his role as elevator operator to heart. His mission is simple but not without challenges: escort each guest to the elusive fourteenth floor. As the elevator ascends, he’s met by a colorful cast: Colin Capybara, Oona Ostrich, Queenie Quokka, Tiny Tarsier, Amie Armadillo, and Oma Okapi. One by one, they pile in, and with every ding of the next floor, space grows tighter. Dallas remains determined. The outside heat is relentless, and he refuses to leave anyone behind. But can he fit them all in for one uninterrupted ride? And what exactly awaits at the top that draws such a crowd?

This story sparkles with charm. Freya Novak’s voice is fresh, sincere, and filled with a sense of wonder that young readers will gravitate toward. Children will find themselves eagerly flipping pages to discover which quirky animal joins next, and to solve the mystery of the fourteenth floor. Each character bursts with personality and brings more than just laughter; they also offer snippets of different languages, from Spanish and Swahili to Filipino and Lingala. These linguistic tidbits make for a delightful bonus, subtly introducing young readers to global diversity.

Equally notable is the book’s emphasis on uniqueness. Every guest is different, species, voice, culture, and yet they come together harmoniously. It’s a gentle, effective way to teach children the beauty of diversity and the value of inclusivity. There’s a character for every reader to love, making the experience deeply personal and engaging.

Anastasiya Halionka’s vibrant, full-page illustrations elevate the story even further. With warm, comforting color palettes and expressive visuals, her artwork pulls readers straight into the bustling elevator and keeps them there, captivated.

At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride is a delightful picture book that blends humor, heart, and cultural appreciation into one uplifting ride. With its engaging storyline, diverse characters, and striking visuals, it’s sure to become a bedtime favorite. A truly impressive debut, well done!

ASIN: B0FD3XBCRQ