The joy of reading begins with wonder…
…wonder about stories, about characters, and about the world itself. This season, three exceptional children’s books capture that spark beautifully. Stop the Snow by Frank Tupta and Lindsay Ward, The Mouse Buffet by Ross Ferreri and Tim Bowers, and Wild Wonderings: Scientists and Their Questions by Jessica Fries-Gaither and Linda Olliver each invite young readers to engage, imagine, and explore. Though very different in style and subject, these books share a common purpose: to ignite curiosity, encourage participation, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Stop the Snow by Frank Tupta and Lindsay Ward
Few picture books engage readers as joyfully as Stop the Snow, an interactive romp that blends play with early childhood development. When Cat, Dog, and Baby Sloth wake up to find it’s snowing, they can’t wait to sled down the hill, but there’s just one problem. There’s not enough snow! That’s where the reader comes in. By shaking, tilting, and turning the pages, children help bring the snow to life. But be careful, too much shaking might make quite a mess!
Hi! I’m Lindsay Ward, a children’s picture book author-illustrator from Peninsula, Ohio. For the past seventeen years, I’ve been fortunate to live my dream of making picture books (a dream that began when I was fifteen, working my very first job in a children’s bookstore back in California). That early spark has carried me through the ups and downs of a career in publishing, from the years I spent mailing postcards of my illustrations hoping for a break, to the surreal experience of sitting in the audience at the New York City Children’s Theater as actors brought my book Please Bring Balloons to life on stage.
When I first started out, I was naive about how hard it would be to get published. It took nearly three years of persistence before someone finally took a chance on me. Looking back, I think that same naïveté was what kept me going. I learned quickly to advocate for my own work, to stay open to advice but also trust my creative instincts. Now, as a parent, I’ve come to appreciate the fleeting quiet moments when I can work, and I try to embrace them fully.
One of the things I love most about the Buckeye Book Fair is how it celebrates the many talented creators who call Ohio home. There’s a real sense of community here, one that reminds me why storytelling matters.
Few picture books engage readers as joyfully as Stop the Snow, an interactive romp that blends play with early childhood development. When Cat, Dog, and Baby Sloth wake up to find it’s snowing, they can’t wait to sled down the hill—but there’s just one problem: there’s not enough snow! That’s where the reader comes in. By shaking, tilting, and turning the pages, children help bring the snow to life. But be careful, too much shaking might make quite a mess!
Frank Tupta’s lively storytelling and Lindsay Ward’s charming illustrations work together to create a multi-sensory reading experience that keeps children laughing and learning. The STOP THE… series is cleverly designed to teach children how to follow directions, carry out multi-step commands, and develop hand-eye coordination. By giving readers an active role in the story, Stop the Snow transforms reading into a game, one that subtly teaches listening skills, patience, and motor control. It’s a story that brings the whole family together, especially on a chilly day when everyone could use a little snow magic.
I feel so fortunate to be part of that shared reading experience. Some of my best childhood memories are of cuddling up to read with my mom, something I’ve carried on with my own boys. I’m grateful that families invite me into their lives through my words and illustrations, to connect over the length of a book. For me, that’s the true magic of making stories.
I like to always encourage new writers and illustrators to believe in the work they’re doing; don’t chase trends, tell your story.
If something scares you creatively, that’s probably a sign you should do it.
The Mouse Buffet by Ross Ferreri, illustrated by Tim Bowers
Holiday cheer takes a mischievous turn in The Mouse Buffet, a deliciously funny Christmas adventure. Ross Ferreri’s rhyming text and Tim Bowers’s lively illustrations tell the story of four daring mice who sneak out on Christmas Eve in search of a feast. From cookies and tarts to a gingerbread house that looks almost too good to nibble, their escapade is filled with laughter and suspense. But as every mouse knows, one wrong move can wake the cat!
Tim Bowers is Bringing Stories to Life, One Illustration at a Time
Born in Troy, Ohio, and now living in Mount Vernon, Tim Bowers has been illustrating children’s books for more than forty years. His journey began with a dream, a strong portfolio, and a touch of patience which culminated in his first book, The Toy Circus by Jan Wahl (1986). Since then, Tim has collaborated with an impressive lineup of authors and musicians, including Cynthia Rylant, Livingston Taylor, Neil Sedaka, and Kenny Loggins. His lively, expressive art has earned multiple state awards and landed three of his titles on The New York Times Best Seller list. Today, he continues to bring warmth and humor to every page, most recently through his illustrations for new P.J. Funnybunny stories written by Marilyn Sadler.
Before entering the world of children’s books, Tim worked in advertising and at Hallmark, where his knack for charming characters and lighthearted humor took root. Over the years, he’s learned that persistence, adaptability, and a deep love for storytelling are the cornerstones of a successful creative career. He encourages aspiring illustrators to “be curious, take chances, and remember—you’re telling a story with your art.”
That storytelling magic shines in his latest project, The Mouse Buffet, a deliciously funny Christmas adventure written by Ross Ferreri. In this festive tale, four daring mice sneak out on Christmas Eve in search of a feast, from cookies and tarts to a gingerbread house too good to resist. Tim’s vibrant illustrations capture the sparkle, suspense, and cozy mischief of the season, making the book an instant holiday classic. With the rhythm of a timeless poem and the heart of a bedtime favorite, The Mouse Buffet celebrates friendship, teamwork, and a quick wit while wrapping it all up in Tim Bowers’s signature warmth and humor.
For Tim, the Buckeye Book Fair has always been a highlight of his year. He knows it’s a place to meet readers, reconnect with fellow illustrators, and celebrate the stories that bring people together. “I sit inside my studio all year, making the art,” he says. “It’s nice to finally get out and meet the readers who enjoy the results of all that work.”
Wild Wonderings: Scientists and Their Questions by Jessica Fries-Gaither, illustrated by Linda Olliver
For young readers with inquisitive minds, Wild Wonderings opens the door to the real adventures of science. Written by veteran educator Jessica Fries-Gaither, this book highlights diverse scientists across history and around the world, each connected by a shared sense of curiosity and the power of asking questions. From ancient thinkers to modern researchers, Fries-Gaither introduces readers to people who look like them and who dared to explore the mysteries of nature, space, and life itself.
As the third book in Fries-Gaither’s acclaimed series, following Notable Notebooks and Exemplary Evidence, Wild Wonderings continues her mission to help children build scientific identities. The book shows that science isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about wonder, creativity, and asking “why.” Illustrator Linda Olliver, who has partnered with Fries-Gaither throughout the series, brings these scientists and their discoveries to vivid life. Her artwork radiates curiosity and connection, helping young readers see themselves in the pages. Together, author and illustrator craft a celebration of diversity, discovery, and the enduring power of questions.
Meet the Creators at the Buckeye Book Fair
Readers will have the rare opportunity to meet the talented creators behind these inspiring books at the Buckeye Book Fair on Saturday, November 1, in Wooster, Ohio. Jessica Fries-Gaither, Tim Bowers, Frank Tupta, and Lindsay Ward will all be in attendance to sign books, meet fans, and share their creative journeys. It’s the perfect chance for families to experience the joy of books firsthand, connect with Ohio’s literary community, and inspire a new generation of readers and thinkers.
The Joy of Curiosity and Connection
Each of these books, whether snowy and interactive, cozy and mischievous, or scientific and inspiring, shares a vital message: learning happens when children are engaged, curious, and encouraged to explore. Stop the Snow lets readers shake up the world; The Mouse Buffet turns a holiday night into an adventure; and Wild Wonderings opens minds to the endless possibilities of asking questions.
In a time when books continue to connect us, entertain us, and help us grow, these three titles remind us of the beauty of storytelling. They prove that literacy is more than reading words on a page, it’s about exploring, participating, and seeing the world with fresh eyes. Whether your child is giggling over a mischievous mouse, helping Baby Sloth find enough snow, or wondering how real scientists make discoveries, these books promise one thing above all: a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to connect with Ohio’s vibrant literary community?
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