Two Judy Blume book covers and back covers: Just as Long as We’re Together in turquoise and Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson in purple, with illustrated objects. At right are circular photos of art director Lauren Rille, junior designer Hope Kim, illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi, and assistant editor Jin Soo Chun.


I'm thrilled that the two Judy Blume reissues with my illustrations on the covers are out in the wild today, from Atheneum/Simon & Schuster : Just As Long As We're Together and Here's To You, Rachel Robinson. It was a joy and honour to work with Lauren Rille (Art Director), Hope Kim (Junior Designer), and Jin Soo Chun (Assistant Editor) on this project!

Like Judy's other books, these two titles are just as relevant today as they were when first published, with complicated families, shifting friendships, and the chaos of growing up—told with the honesty and heart only Judy Blume can bring. ❤️

Sheets of Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s sketches and cover ideas for Judy Blume books, including drawings of books, shoes, barrettes, jewelry, and other objects.

For those who want more info, see this Publishers Weekly article, my website page about my history with Judy Blume book art, and an in-depth interview with Lauren Rille (Art Director), Hope Kim (Junior Designer), and Jin Soo Chun (Assistant Editor).

Eleven colorful Judy Blume book covers arranged in two rows, including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret., Blubber, Deenie, It’s Not the End of the World, Iggie’s House, Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, Then Again, Maybe I Won’t, Just as Long as We’re Together, Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson, Freckle Juice, The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo, and The Pain and the Great One.

Thanks to Justin Chanda for another opportunity to illustrate Judy Blume books! You can see all the reissues above: Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Blubber, Deenie, Iggie’s House, It’s Not The End Of The World, Starring Sally J. Freeman As Herself, and Then Again, Maybe I Won’t. The bottom three are chapter books for which I also provided interior illustrations: Freckle Juice, The One In The Middle Is The Green Kangaroo, and The Pain and the Great One.

Above: Special thanks to my niece Annie for a photo of her Taylor Swift bracelets that I used as photo ref as I came up with sketch ideas for Just As Long As We're Together.

Judy Blume and Debbie Ridpath Ohi stand onstage, smiling and clapping, with another person in the background. Photo by Kevin Yatarola.

Photos above and below: I was thrilled to share the stage (!!) with Judy Blume at Symphony Space in NYC in 2018, to help celebrate her 80th birthday. Also super-honoured to be on stage with Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming), Rachel Vail (Well, That Was Awkward), and Soman Chainani (The School For Good And Evil).

Judy Blume stands onstage holding a microphone, with four other people seated around her. Behind them, a screen displays a “Happy Birthday, Judy!” illustration with a cupcake, children, and balloons. Photo by Kevin Yatarola.

I stupidly did NOT get any copies of books I had illustrated signed by Judy when I was with her. 😩 I keep hoping our paths will cross in person again someday.

Speaking of the amazing Judy Blume, I strongly recommend watching the documentary, "Judy Blume Forever," if you haven't already. And see that copy of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret that she's holding in the thumbnail image? That's one of the covers I illustrated!!!

For more info about the behind-the-scenes process for the new Judy Blume reissues and quotes from Lauren Rille, Hope Kim, and Jin Soo Chun, see this blog post.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi holds copies of Judy Blume’s Here’s to You, Rachel Robinson and Just as Long as We’re Together beside an open shipping box, with more copies on the table and a harp in the background.