Exploring the Whimsical World of Animals in "At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride" by Freya Novak

Step into a realm where the ordinary turns extraordinary in "At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride" by Freya Novak, with enchanting illustrations by Anastasiya Halionka. This delightful children’s book invites readers of all ages to join a journey filled with magic, laughter, and valuable life lessons. A peculiar hotel plays host to an array of unforgettable characters, each with their own quirks and stories. Get ready to explore the enchanting elements that make this book a must-read!

Thank you to Freya Novak for supplying me with a copy of the book for reading and review in return for an honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own, representing my personal thoughts, reading experience, and reflections on the book.

Book Information

• Title: At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride

• Author: Freya Novak

• Illustrator: Anastasiya Halionka

• Publisher: Independently

• Publication Date: June 12, 2025

• Genre: Children’s Literature, Fantasy, Animals, Fiction, Mystery

• Age Category Group: Children's, Ages 6+

• Format: Picture Book

  
  

Book Synopsis

Dallas Dingo, the versatile “jack of all trades” at the Ragtag Hotel, navigates a bustling elevator on a hot afternoon, cheerfully assisting residents. Within this vibrant community, you'll encounter a smiling capybara, a graceful ostrich, a faint-prone quokka, a soulful-eyed tarsier, a playful armadillo, and an anxious okapi. As more animals squeeze into the lively elevator, anticipation builds—will they all fit, or will someone be left behind? What awaits on the mysterious fourteenth floor? Freya Novak’s engaging prose, paired with Anastasiya Halionka’s stunning illustrations, invites readers into a world of imagination and wonder.

Book Rating + Review

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

The illustrations are detailed and vibrant, effectively bringing the story to life while providing readers with a fun and colorful visual experience. The characters are charming, and the book showcases a diverse array of animals from various regions. The setting is realistically depicted as an elevator ride in a hotel, complete with a doorman and multiple floors. The writing is clear, easy to follow, and occasionally humorous and poetic, making it both engaging and enjoyable to read.

The plot is mysterious yet realistic, revolving around multiple animals seeking relief from the heat. The mystery of what awaits on the fourteenth floor encourages readers to continue exploring. Could it be an ice cream machine, snow cones, air conditioning, a pool, or perhaps a cozy library? The story is delightful, quick to read, and educational, introducing readers to various ways of saying hello in different languages and showcasing a wide range of animals.

"At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride" is a captivating picture book that goes beyond the theme of escaping the heat on a hot day. It emphasizes the importance of polite greetings, learning about diverse animals and cultures, and even pondering how many animals can fit in an elevator at once. This standalone story has the potential to evolve into a series, following the characters through scenarios like escaping a cold winter day or a rainy day.

This children's book is recommended for young readers aged 5 and up who enjoy animals, mysteries, and illustrated books. It also serves as an excellent reading choice for teachers, librarians, daycare workers, and family members to share with young children. To learn more about the book and its characters, visit the author's website.

Questions for Young Readers

• Comprehension Questions:

  • Who is Dallas Dingo, and what is his role at the Ragtag Hotel?

  • Can you name some of the animals that ride the elevator with Dallas? What are their unique traits?

  • What do you think is on the mysterious fourteenth floor? Why do you think that?

  • How do the animals react as more of them squeeze into the elevator? What emotions do you think they are feeling?

• Discussion Questions:

  • Why do you think it’s important for the animals to greet each other politely? Can you think of times when you greet someone?

  • What do you think makes a good friend? How do the animals in the story show friendship?

  • Do you think the hotel is a magical place? Why or why not?

• Creative Thinking Questions:

  • If you could add another animal to the elevator, which one would it be and why?

  • Imagine you are in the elevator with the animals. What would you want to say to them?

  • What do you think happens after they reach the fourteenth floor? Write a short continuation of the story.

Activities for Young Readers

• Illustration Activity:

  • Draw your favorite scene from the book. Include all the animals and what they might be doing in the elevator.

  • Create your own animal character that could stay at the Ragtag Hotel. What is its name, and what special skill does it have?

• Language Activity:

  • Choose one of the ways to say hello mentioned in the book. Practice saying it out loud. Can you teach it to a friend or family member?

  • Make a greeting card using a different language. Write "hello" on the front and draw an animal from the book.

• Math Activity:

  • Count how many animals can fit in your imaginary elevator. Create a list of animals and their sizes. Which animal takes up the most space?

  • Draw a simple graph showing how many animals are in the elevator at different times in the story.

• Group Activity:

  • Act out the story with friends or family. Assign each person an animal character and perform the elevator ride together.

  • Have a discussion about favorite animals and why they like them. Share interesting facts about these animals.

About the Author

Freya Novak, born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, discovered her passion for reading early on, inspired by authors like L. M. Montgomery, Enid Blyton, and Beatrix Potter. She published her debut children’s book, At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride, using a pseudonym.

About the Illustrator

Anastasiya Halionka is a gifted children's book illustrator with over five years of experience, who discovered her passion for drawing early in life. Despite initially doubting her talent and pursuing a law degree, at 27, she embraced her true calling in art. Her journey began with simple pencil sketches, evolving into the exploration of watercolors, gouache, colored pencils, and pastels, which continue to inspire her work. Now, she primarily uses digital tools like a Wacom tablet, Photoshop, and an iPad with Procreate, to create whimsical and endearing characters. Anastasiya’s illustrations aim to resonate with both children and adults, crafting memorable characters that navigate life’s challenges, bringing joy and smiles to readers of all ages.

Purchase Links

Ready to embark on your own adventure at "At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride"? You can find it at various retailers, including:

• Amazon

• Barnes & Noble

• Kobo

• The Great British Bookshop

  
  

A Magical Invitation

"At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride" is a delightful addition to children's literature that expertly combines engaging storytelling with vibrant illustrations. Freya Novak's charming narrative, complemented by Anastasiya Halionka's beautiful artwork, creates an immersive experience that captivates young readers. The book not only entertains but also educates, introducing children to diverse cultures and the importance of kindness through greetings. Its relatable characters and intriguing plot make it a must-read for children aged 5 and up, as well as a valuable resource for educators and caregivers. This enchanting tale leaves readers eagerly anticipating what adventures await on the mysterious fourteenth floor, making it a perfect springboard for future stories in a potential series. Don't miss the chance to explore the whimsical world of the Ragtag Hotel—it's sure to become a cherished favorite among young readers!