At the Ragtag Hotel is a charming picture book where elevator operator Dallas Dingo helps a delightful cast of animal guests reach the mysterious 14th floor, teaching readers about unity, inclusion, and languages. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

As a writer and teacher, I’m always seeking ways to entertain children while also teaching them in fun and engaging ways. What better method than introducing lesser-known animals from around the world as the main characters? With this idea in mind, I aimed to enhance the storytelling experience by incorporating languages from diverse cultures to add a new dimension to the story.

How did you select which animals and languages to include in the story?

I carefully handpicked an array of animals that children are likely to have never encountered, adding an element of surprise. Each animal was chosen not only for its striking appearance and unique features, but also for its origin from diverse corners of the globe. This helps set the stage for future books focused on learning about these animals, their languages, and their countries.

How did you collaborate with illustrator Anastasiya Halionka to bring these vibrant characters to life?

I chose Anastasiya because I was captivated by her illustrations. When she first showed the drafts, I loved the idea of the illustrations spanning two pages, which made the visuals more enchanting. When she added color, I fell in love all over again. Her artistic vision for the characters far surpassed my own, and I’m very grateful for her contributions. The only hiccup was the cover page. A few adjustments were needed to fit the typesetting, but she handled it very well. I will definitely work with her again on the next book in the series.

What message do you hope readers take away from Dallas Dingo’s journey?

I hope young readers embrace the beauty of diversity in all its forms. Dallas Dingo embodies cool, calm, and collected, making him the quintessential “jack of all trades.” Yet, his journey of discovery is far from over, and I invite readers to join him as he uncovers new adventures and lessons along the way.

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