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A New Dimension to the Story
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride
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
LITERARY TITAN 