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Debbie Ridpath Ohi: Biography
(Last updated June 21, 2023)
SHORT BIO (65 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s writing and art has appeared in over 30 books. She is the award-winning author and illustrator of Sam & Eva and Where Are My Books? with Simon & Schuster. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black and Linda Sue Park, among others. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. For more info, see DebbieOhi.com.
SLIGHTLY LONGER BIO:
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the award-winning author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers). She has helped create over 30 books, most of which are for young people. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, and Linda Sue Park, among others. Her most recent book is I’m Sorry, the newest in the I’m… picture book series about emotions, written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie. Debbie is currently working on a middle grade novel, and a new solo picture book. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com, as well as on Twitter, Substack, Facebook, and Instagram (she also has a Bookstagram).
DEBBIE’S BIO FOR SCBWI EVENTS (151 words):
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the award-winning author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers). Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, and Linda Sue Park, among others. Publishers she has worked with include Simon & Schuster, Random House, and HarperCollins. Her most recent book is I’m Sorry, the newest in the I’m… picture book series about emotions, written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie. Debbie is currently working on a middle grade novel, a graphic novel, and a new solo picture book. 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. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com, as well as on Twitter, Substack, Facebook, and Instagram (she also has a Bookstagram).
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.
