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Debbie’s Biography
(Last updated August 22, 2024)
SHORT BIO (78 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s writing or art has appeared in over 20 books for young people. She is the award-winning author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva with Simon & Schuster. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black and Linda Sue Park, among others. Her newest book, I Want To Read ALL The Books, launches Sept. 17 2024. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. For more info, see DebbieOhi.com.
A LONGER BIO (137 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author of Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva, and the upcoming I Want To Read ALL The Books with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. Debbie has helped create over 20 books for young people, including I’m Bored (a New York Times Notable Book) and other picture books written by Michael Ian Black as well as ten Judy Blume chapter books and middle grade titles. Her illustrations also appear in books by Linda Sue Park, Aaron Reynolds, Rob Sanders, and Lauren McLaughlin. Debbie is on the SCBWI Advisory Council and is also a member of CANSCAIP, The Writers’ Union Of Canada, The Authors Guild, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and the League Of Canadian Poets. She lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
DEBBIE’S BIO FOR SCBWI EVENTS (139 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author and illustrator of Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva, and I Want To Read ALL The Books (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers). Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, and Linda Sue Park, among others. Debbie was an SCBWI success story; she received her first children’s book contract from Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster after Justin saw her portfolio at the 2010 SCBWI Summer Portfolio Showcase. Debbie is on the SCBWI Advisory Council and contributes to the Conference Blog during events with SCBWI Team Blog. She is also a member of CANSCAIP, The Authors Guild, The Writers’ Union Of Canada, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and the League Of Canadian Poets. She lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
DEBBIE’S AUTHOR VILLAGE PRESENTER’S BIO (364 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an author and illustrator who has helped create many popular and award-winning books for young people including Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, Linda Sue Park, Aaron Reynolds and others. Book honors include New York Times Notable Children’s Book, Junior Library Guild selection, Kirkus star, Missouri Building Picture Book Award winner (voted most popular by preschool children in Missouri’s public libraries), Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist, Indie Kids’ Next, BCCB Blue Ribbon list.
Debbie is Japanese-Canadian. Her mother was born in Japan, her father in Vancouver (his parents were born in Japan). Debbie graduated from the University Of Toronto with a B.Sc. and worked as a computer programmer/analyst for two years before diving off the corporate cliff to embrace her true passion: creating books for young people. While working toward this goal, she took on part-time work at the Toronto Public Library and a children’s book store as well as teaching piano and flute lessons.
Just a few of the many truths Debbie has learned and that she tries to convey in her presentations and workshops: It’s ok to make mistakes; it means you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and striving to be better. Focus on the joy of your own journey and pass it forward. Making regular time for creative play will help improve your craft.
Debbie is comfortable with both in-person and virtual presentations, and is happy to tailor content for any level of experience. She has given many talks and workshops about writing and illustrating books for young people, and her school presentations always include an emphasis on the importance of reading. For older readers, she also enjoys talking about how to use her books for social-emotional learning in the classroom, behind-the-scenes picture book process, tips on how to get started in writing and illustrating children’s books, and mental health and creativity.
Debbie lives in Toronto with her husband, Jeff. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her reading, playing her Celtic harp, gaming, drawing with her food, and fervently wishing for Hermione’s Time-Turner.