Where Are My Books?

by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

A boy investigates a squirrelly situation to track down his missing stories in this charming ode to book lovers of all kinds.

Spencer loves to read. He reads a book every night. But one morning his favorite book goes missing, and in its place is a tulip. Spencer searches high and low, but he can't find his book.

The next morning another book is missing, a nut in its place. And the morning after that, another book is missing.

What is happening to Spencer's books? When he finds out, Spencer devises a surprising solution that will delight readers (and librarians) everywhere.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Books About Books, Storytime, Fiction, Animals, Mystery

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2015

About the author

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a children's book author and illustrator who lives in Toronto, Canada. She is the author and illustrator of Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva, and the upcoming I Want To Read ALL The Books (Simon & Schuster Books For young Readers). Her writing and/or illustrations have appeared in over 20 books for young people, including titles by Michael Ian Black, Judy Blume, Linda Sue Park, and others. You can find out more about Debbie and her work at DebbieOhi.com .

Reviews

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

too soon, man...



i discovered this book soon after my own post-bedbug book diaspora, where my books were scattered into storage, into my dad's garage, or most distressingly - into the garbage.

the books in this story go on a far more whimsical and adorable journey and i hope and pray that all the books of mine in the bag that was "accidentally" thrown away are off having an adventure of their own. i miss them.

THIS IS MY HEART:



come to my blog!

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarier than the monster under the bed! Disappearing books!

[Ashlee Tominey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading with my almost 2-year old that loves squirrels. This book has funny moments (Spencer begrudgingly having a tea party with his sister because he made her cry) and sweet moments (brother/sister/squirrel storytime before bed). Because of this book, my son said "aha!" for the first time :)

[Jim Erekson · Rating 2 out of 5]

As mysteries go this one leans a bit too much on a deus ex machina. The solution to the mystery is something that no one could consider while reading and then be surprised as the 'how' unfolds. It's usually a maxim of mystery writing as I understand it, that the perp is available to me as a reader from the beginning. I think Ohi should have dropped some kind of hints about the squirrels in the illustrations (or maybe the text) from the early pages.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Join Spencer in solving the mystery of his missing books. The culprit(s) may surprise you, and the funny ending is sure to delight.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Although I have to admit I did not accurately predict the culprit who was stealing Spencer's books.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Spencer loves his books. Before bed, he and his mom read his favorite, Night Night Narwhal, and then Spencer puts the book away in the same spot he always puts it on his bookshelf. Life is good, until the next morning when Spencer wakes up and the book is gone! He makes due with other titles, but the calamity continues as each night more books go missing. Where are his books?

Debbie Ridpath Ohi has created a fresh new book with appealing illustrations and an unexpected twist. Kids will love solving the mystery of the missing books. I was certainly surprised to find out where they had gone! This book will soon get purchased and cataloged into our school library and I look forward to sharing it with our primary kiddos. It even talks about library procedures near the end and will lend itself well to library orientation.

My 5 year old son has one question after reading – “Do narwhals really sleep?” I’m guessing it’s time to develop some research skills together!

This review was first posted on Get Your Book On.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where are my Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi – Oh what a darn hilarious book. Enjoyed and chuckled my way through it. My son thought it was a riot as well. So fun to read a picture book where I can’t guess at first who the villian is and when I find out who it is I just laugh and laugh. Fun and fantastic, highly recommended for a read aloud!

[Laura McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and illustrations. A good introduction on how libraries work (you do, eventually, have to give the books back). Kathryn enjoyed it (we read it 4 times in a row) and I'm kinda envious of Spencer's stuffed Narwhal.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
What Jim said. This makes no sense. The pix are cute, the message about borrowing vs stealing is good, but ... uh... huh? ... whatever.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding up from 2.5-ish.

I love books. I was an English major in college. Before my son was born, I averaged 2-3 books a week. So it should come as no surprise that I seek out children's books about books for him (and me, if I'm honest). And I want to love them so.

I was disappointed in this book. It's a cute story, but it confused me. The first two-thirds are firmly rooted in reality. Or at least, we're given no reason to think otherwise. Then the book thief is revealed, and Bam!, we're in cutesy kids' book fantasy land. Which is fine - it is a cute kids' book, after all, but it just came without warning and had me rolling my eyes.

I was a little more disappointed when I turned the last page and saw the photo of the author/illustrator on the back flap. She appears in my inexpert opinion to be Japanese (definitely descended from someone east Asian, anyway), but Spencer and his family are a bunch of brown-haired white people. That surprised me, especially in this age of We Need Diverse Books. Looking at some of her other work listed on Goodreads, she has used very similar-looking characters in books written by white folks, so perhaps she just decided to stick with the style she was used to in her first solo book.

I love that Spencer's favorite bedtime story is called Night-Night, Narwhal, and that he has the companion stuffed animal and even narwhal-patterned pajamas. The narwhal is an under-represented animal in picture books from what I've seen, and I really wish Night-Night, Narwhal was a real book.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Are My Books? is so stinking cute! I think Spencer's search for his missing books will appeal to book lovers young and old. Loved the "twist" at the end and the narwhal. I received this book through interlibrary loan through the Mississippi Library Commission from the Carnegie Public Library of Clarksdale and Coahoma County.

[Mississippi Library Commission · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids are going to love reading Where Are My Books?--Spencer is on the hunt for his missing books and the culprit will have them howling with laughter. Large, vivid illustrations complement the simple text.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer loves his books. Before bed, he and his mom read his favorite book. Spencer puts the book away in the same spot he always puts it on his bookshelf. Life is peaceful, until the next morning when Spencer wakes up and the book is gone! He makes due with other titles, but the confusion continues as each night more books go missing. Where are his books? Surprisingly it is a squirrely friend!

[Nostalgia Reader]

Absolutely adorable, if no reason other than Spencer has a stuffed narwhal friend who is adorable. Also, squirrels! The whole thing is a bit silly, but was still a fun read.

[Celeste_pewter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow my Instagram or Twitter account at all, you'll know that I'm a big fan of Debbie Ohi's. I think her ability to create art from every day things like food is brilliant, and brings much-needed joy into ordinary things.

We finally met at ALA back in June, and she was as delightful as I thought. So when Simon & Schuster kindly sent me her book Where Are My Books?, I couldn't wait to dig in.

Ohi introduces us to Spencer, a young boy who loves his bedtime stories. However, one morning, he realizes that his favorite stories are disappearing, and it's up to Spencer to figure out what's going on...

What's delightful about Where Are My Books? is Ohi's ability to pack a story about reading, sharing and empathy, into a few short pages. Ohi begins by emphasizing the importance of bedtime and routine - something many parents will likely appreciate - and amps up the action when Spencer discovers his books missing.

But rather than show the negative effects of those missing books, Ohi gently emphasizes Spencer's willingness and creativity as he tries to figure out what's going on. It's proactive and funny, with many older brothers likely appreciating a certain tea party, and also gently emphasizes the importance of problem-solving skills.

And when Spencer does get to the bottom of the mystery, Ohi wonderfully reminds readers of the importance of sharing. Spencer could have easily chosen to demand all of his books back, but instead, understands that there are others who appreciate his books, and generously works out a way for his stories to be enjoyed by all.

Ohi's lovely life lessons are emphasized by colorful drawings with bold details. The color palette for Spencer's adventures is a vibrant one, and lovingly accentuated by the small things - e.g. a narwhal plushie, which will likely make readers, both young and old, smile.

Bottom line: Where Are My Books? is not only a perfect book about bedtime traditions, but also helps emphasize a lot of fantastic life lessons as well. This is one book that is guaranteed to remain a much-loved staple on bookshelves for years to come.

(Seriously, I'm never, ever parting with my copy!)

[Bmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read aloud for older preschool and kindergarten students. I use it for my lesson about caring for our books. You could also do it for a book or library themed storytime. Spencer loves books but they keep disappearing from his shelf one by one. It all started with Night-Night, Narwhal and then Tenacious Todd and Send in the Clown Fish among others! He decided to set a trap by wrapping string around a book and then around his stuffed Narwal so when the book was taken off the shelf he could follow his Narwal. The pictures are great because you see the stuffed animal leave the bed and he follows it. Then it gives you a clue about who or what took it but it is a couple more pages until they find out so they can make predictions. There is also a funny picture in the book you may have to explain to young children. He blames his little sister for taking his book and it makes her cry. The next picture you see him sitting with her on a blanket having a tea part. She is very happy but Spencer? Not so much! It really is a good read aloud

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers are keenly aware of the books they keep in their personal space. Whether they have one set of shelves or several bookcases, each title read or unread is like a treasured friend. Regardless of whatever organizational system is used, if one should become misplaced, the reader knows.

Like all good friendships, it's important to stay connected. Where Are My Books? (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, May 12, 2015), a debut title both written and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi is full of questions. It's a mystery waiting to be solved.

My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Elizabeth Bartos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book like I find most books... the artwork grabs my attention. While the illustrations were colorful fun and, at times, larger than life, I felt the story was lacking. The plot seemed a little slow and I did not enjoy the conclusion. I was expecting something bigger or more exciting. Although the delivery of this books message was very direct and important and that is don't keep your books all to your yourself, share the joy of reading with others.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book! Great for kids that are protective of their books. I can't wait to read it to the summer reading group next week. Perfect to help them see how to take care of their books or their library books at home.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Though if my books ever went missing I would probably go postal, sweet little squirrels or not!

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy sets out to solve the mystery of where his books are disappearing to every night. Definitely had an ending that I didn't expect. Cute story.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

More squirrels. Might be a little long for a young audience, but I think I'll try it as a complement to My Cousin Momo.

[Cosette]

Odd.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

We both really liked this book. Although the main character isn't autistic there are aspects to the story so that he could be (which appeals to my Miss ASD). He really, really likes 'Goodnight Narwhal'. He has to have the same book for bedtime every night and has a narwhal soft toy. He has other books but they're meant to be read at certain times too (like after lunch). When his books begin to go missing he decides to investigate...

Other things I liked: Dad doing gardening (I realized why the tulip bed needed work on our second or third read-through); Mum in a tool-belt trying to fix a birdhouse (presumably missing screws); the tea party; the age appropriate explanation for setting up a library; reading his favourite book to his little sister and all the squirrels. Miss 3 told me that the squirrels aren't real - his naughty little sister was totally the one borrowing the books.

Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[BiblioBickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child keeps his books in one place in his room so he always know where to find them. However, one morning, his favorite book is missing. After the next book goes missing the morning after it was read at bedtime (somewhat unsatisfactorily because it was about Todd, who is a toad, and therefore an amphibian, and therefore really more suitable to after lunch than bedtime), Spencer decides to figure out what's going on. His father (shown gardening tulips) and mother (shown in a tool belt and apron assembling something out of wood using a screwdriver) both don't know, so he assumes it must be his sister, but she is scared and surprised when he yells at her "Where are my books??" Finally, he sets up a trap at night so he can find the culprit. He's surprised, but works with the borrowers to establish library rules for borrowing his books. Family presents as white.

Good to initiate conversations about similarities with our library as well as methods kids use to keep track of their books.

[Lia Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although much less dependent on illustrations to tell its story, Where Are My Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi still has visual humorous pages that enhance the words of the story. However, I must admit that when the boy finds out where his books are disappearing to every night, I was let down. I felt that it wasn’t as logical as Sam & Eva and I just could not accept the proposed theory. It jolted me out of the story and the story stopped flowing for me then. However, I liked how the boy solved the situation and I loved the message: sharing responsibly.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy loves his bedtime stories and has one particular favorite. Of course when his books start disappearing, his favorite is the first to disappear. He worries about his books going missing. When he's done to his last book he forms a plan: he ties a stuffed animal onto the end. When the book is hijacked he can follow it. When he discovers where the books have gone he gets a good chuckle.

A good one for storytime to help with critical thinking skills. Allow children to come up with their theories of where the books are going.

[Annie Behel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable! The story was a simple yet great encouragement for students to find a joy in reading and share this love of reading with others. Also, the illustrations were colorful, unique and easy to follow for students to enjoy. I loved that the squirrels also wanted to read and thought that it was very cute that they were stealing books from the boy at night. Children need to always hear about how great reading is, because that will get them wanting to join in on the fun and start reading for themselves.

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a little boy who loves reading and is very good about putting his books away, but then they start to disappear. You'll be surprised where he find then! Great illustration and would be a good beginning of the year book for library connections as well!

There is also a great video to share with kids of the author reading and sharing drawings of squirrels and a song to0: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSBVQ...