Praise for Cattywampus
CATTYWAMPUS in Most-Anticipated Lists for 2020
“Deftly weaving elements of magic and nature with a story of adolescent change, debut author Van Otterloo conjures a timeless contemporary fantasy.”
–Publisher’s Weekly
“A spirited debut.”
–Kirkus
“Lively and entertaining! Ash Van Otterloo delivers spooky fun and an essential new kid-lit character in this spirited debut.”
–Ingrid Law, Newbery Honor-winning author of Savvy
“Cattywampus is a Southern yarn in all the best ways--it's warm and welcoming and promises you a wild ride. You'll want to settle into this story and stay awhile.”
–Erica Waters, author of Ghost Wood Song
“It is southern, witchy, magical fun about friends and family and the histories that connect us and haunt us. The dialogue is fireworks…The subtle creepiness won't scare you (too bad), but the vibrant, beating heart of this story will haunt you for a good long time.”
–Natalie Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic
“Ash Van Otterloo has crafted such a wonderful magic world, true to Appalachia and brimming with humor and heart… As a Kentuckian, I loved seeing Appalachia depicted in such loving, real detail, infused with magic and written with a poetry and musicality that makes the whole story sing.”
–Karah Sutton, author of A Wolf for a Spell
“Van Otterloo’s inclusive, creative, heartwarming middle grade debut is not to be missed under any circumstances. 2020 has been a year of unrelenting challenges and sorrow, so to read a book filled with such hope, compassion and magic (both literal and figurative) feels like the greatest gift, and one that is sure to brighten the lives of readers of all ages.” –Jen, Pop Goes the Reader (full review)
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Praise for A TOUCH OF RUCKUS
“I adored this delightful, warm, and spooky MG. Tennie reminded me so much of my younger self. Hand this to kids that love a funny, ghostly Southern tale of family, friends, and courage.” -Maleeha Siddiqui, award-winning author of Barakah Beats
“This book has it all: amazing Halloween feels, magic gone awry, ghosts wreaking havoc, family secrets, and even a delightful first crush! Van Otterloo weaves a poignant tale about families going through tough times but ultimately finding hope and strength in each other, and, of course, it's all suffused with a delightful dose of oh-so-cozy magic.” —Kim Ventrella, author of Skeleton Tree and The Secret Life of Sam, founder of Spooky Middle Grade
“Tennie is a character I needed at twelve and it's such a joy to see representation for The Peace Keeper of the family…The plot is tight and compelling, and the spooky is REALLY SPOOKY!!! Definitely got the shivers!” —Esme Symes-Smith, author of Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston
“One of the best things about this book is how honestly and openly it tackles depression and mental health issues… So many important lessons in this sweet story!” —Sheri, high school librarian & GR reviewer
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