A delightful, multicultural celebration of community, kindness, and summer fun.
At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride by Freya Novak is a charming, whimsical picture book introducing young readers to Dallas Dingo, the ever-helpful “jack of all trades” at the Ragtag Hotel. On a steaming hot day, Dallas cheerfully operates the hotel’s elevator, ferrying an eclectic cast of animal residents to the fourteenth floor. One by one, colorful characters join the ride: Colin Capybara with his endearing smile, elegant Oona Ostrich, faint-prone Queenie Quokka, wide-eyed Tiny Tarsier, playful Amie Armadillo, and anxious Oma Okapi, each greeting Dallas in a different language. As the elevator fills to bursting, the heat and anticipation build, but will everyone manage to squeeze in? The creaking, squeaking ride ends with the doors flying open, releasing the sweaty but jubilant passengers, who dash to the rooftop pool for a refreshing plunge. Dallas waves them off before heading to fix the hotel’s air conditioning, toolbox in hand. With rhythmic repetition, lively dialogue, and vivid illustrations, Novak and illustrator Anastasiya Halionka create a delightful, multicultural celebration of community, kindness, and summer fun, making this a perfect read-aloud for children who will giggle at the crowded elevator antics and delight in the colorful personalities along the way.
Freya Novak has crafted a lovely read-aloud work that is joyful and imaginative from the first page to the last. It’s an easy world to fall into with characters who you immediately understand and get the energy of. There is a deeper emotional understanding that slowly builds over the arc of this book’s diverse cast of animal characters, which are packed with flair. Novak’s storytelling is brimming with warmth and humor, along with a reassuring confidence in the writing that makes readers feel safe, an essential factor for young readers putting their trust in this playful adventure. Vibrant illustrations complement the storytelling wonderfully, and they’re bursting with personality and charm that’s sure to spark giggles and repeated requests for ‘just one more read’ before bedtime. Beyond just a happy little bedtime read at home, the celebration of community and cooperation in such a light-hearted way makes for a really compelling classroom or youth group read, too. There’s a playful blend of repetition and surprise to keep kids engaged out loud, and the multilingual greetings are a fun educational touch that also makes for a perfectly paced and enjoyable shared reading experience. At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride is a highly recommended whimsical warm-weather adventure that you won’t want to miss.
