Ruth is the author and illustrator of Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel (Bloomsbury US, Spring 2007) - ISBN: 1-58234745-X
Links:
Biography:
Ruth McNally Barshaw, life-long writer and artist, has worked in the advertising field, illustrated for newspapers, and won numerous essay-writing contests. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her family.
This is her first book for young readers. See her work and art portfolio at ruthexpress.com
Book: Ellie McDoodle
One girl. One sketchbook. One week of camping with the world’s most annoying relatives!
Ellie McDougal (better known to her friends as McDoodle) is being held prisoner…by her aunt, uncle, three annoying cousins, and baby brother, Ben-Ben. Sentenced to a camping trip with them while her parents are out of town, Ellie is absolutely, positively determined to hate every single minute of it. Thank goodness she at least has her sketch journal in which to record all of the excruciating (and, ahem, funny) details. But how will Ellie keep her journal from falling into Er-ick the Enemy’s hands? And what will happen if — inconceivable! — she actually starts having fun? Part graphic novel, part confessional journal, part wilderness survival guide, Ellie’s story is a treat for young campers, vacationers, or any kid looking to curl up with a great summer read.
Book Info:
- ISBN (Hardcover): 1-58234745-X
- ISBN-13 (Hardcover): 978-1-58234-745-5
- Release date: May 1, 2007
- Pages: 176
Reviews:
Ellie shares instructions and diagrams for games such as “Spoons,” “Fing Fang Fooey,” and “Sardines” that are easy to follow and will inspire readers to gather friends and play. The engaging text reflects a contemporary preadolescent sensibility and is chock-full of clean, distinguished line drawings on each spread. As Ellie shares her frustrations, conflicts, fun and wildlife facts, readers observe the valuable lessons that she learns about getting along with others–even if they seem to be obnoxious relatives. Ellie hints at further summer surprises, and readers will look forward to her next adventure.”
— School Library Journal
“Part journal, part graphic novel, all fun (with echoes of Harriet the Spy), this is a clever account of a growing-up experience that will be familiar to middle-grade readers. When Ellie’s journal is discovered and read by her cousin “Er-ICK” and her Aunt “Ug” (Eric and Mug), she learns something about her aunt and discovers common ground with her cousin. When the four older children get lost in the woods at night, they find ways to work together to rescue themselves. Hand-lettered text supplements black-and-white cartoon-like drawings. Full of wilderness-survival tips and instructions for counting out rhymes and group games, as well as for making an automatic spitball machine, this will be an agreeable summer read.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The minimal text, sprightly illustrations, and plentiful action will appeal even to kids who think they don’t like to read. At the same time, the story offers a depth of characterizations and plot development to satisfy more demanding readers. With its unique format and unabashed humor, this successful cross between a graphic novel and a personal diary offers a winsome choice for summer reading.” —Paula Morrow, Making Writers Better
“There is nothing to dislike in this charming tale, which is heavily illustrated with whimsical cartoonish drawings. It realistically portrays the characters (even the adults!), giving readers much to consider about the pros and cons of relationships, along with hilarious situations and witty asides. There’s also a mystery regarding some frogs, nuggets of facts about creatures and plants in the wild, and a bit of spot-on preteen philosophy.” —Kidsreads.com
“In line drawings accompanied by often acerbic commentary, the aspiring artist chronicles the ups and downs of this week-long expedition, which initially entails far more downs than ups.” —Publishers Weekly
“This is a must read for children ages 9-12 who would love to be entertained with a good story and a very easy read. With fewer words and many pictures on each page than most books for this age group, this is a delight. Pack up your bags and get ready for a camping adventure with Ellie along — it’s bound to be a great time!” —Teens Read Too.com
“Ellie’s journal encompasses a little frog mystery, a little Seaweed Sally intrigue, and lots of wilderness adventure and drama. Ruth McNally Barshaw’s first book for children speaks volumes with its words and its pictures. This record of a diarist is fun to read and recommended.” —Curled Up Kids.com
“The author, Ruth McNally Barshaw, has some great websites for readers. Her author website is full of great info. She also has a great blog about the process of creating the books—what a fun read! I am always on the lookout for great books to serve as models for kids’ own writers’ notebooks. This is one I’ll add to my collection. Sounds like Ellie McDoodle might be a series—I couldn’t find information on any future books about Ellie, but it seems like the perfect book to be the first in a great new series.” —A Year of Reading blog, http://readingyear.blogspot.com/
Note from the author: Book 2, Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School, debuts in July, 2008.
Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel