About Ruth
Photo by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I am the illustrator of 53 children’s picture books (12 of which I am also the author). I have had the great pleasure of illustrating for authors such as Joy Kogawa, Hazel Hutchins and Sharon Jennings. I live with my family in Toronto, Canada.
An illustration from "Beneath the Bridge" by Hazel Hutchins (Annick Press).
My books have been nominated for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Amelia Francis Howard-Gibbons Award, Mr. Christie Award, Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow, Blue Spruce and the Governor General’s Award.
My latest books include " Chicken, Pig, Cow on the Move" and "Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet", both of which I am the author and illustrator (published by Annick Press). The beginnings of these barnyard buddies is told in "Chicken, Pig, Cow" , a Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Finalist and Pennsylvania Centre for the Book “Baker’s Dozen” Selection. The "Chicken, Pig, Cow" books have been recently optioned for a television animated series.
I am a 2011-2012 Writer-in-Residence for the Toronto District School Board.
Many of the books I have illustrated have been translated into different languages. For example, "And You Can Come Too" and "Clara and the Bossy" have been translated into Korean.
Favourite things to draw(see "Jots & Scribs"):
1. People (made-up and real)
2. Animals (made-up and real)
3. People or animals in made-up situations.
Colours that I couldn’t live without:
Blue and Green
Photo by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Favourite Sketching Tool:
Non-blobbing ballpoint pens.
Non-art things I typically have on my desk when I work:
A tall, heavy mug of water for drinking, because a tall glass I’d knock over too easily and water bottles are for travelling.
Dog. He helps take notes.
Chocolate. I wish.
Favourite Summer Job as a Young Person (Yes, I'm old now):
Parks & Recreation Summer Day Camp Counsellor
One of my largest drawings...
Family Day up in Northern Ontario. Chicken came, too! Photo by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Some Interviews:
"Open Book: Ontario"
