I enjoy spending time on memory lane.  Many of my books reflect this, including my new Raymond and Roxy Step-into-Reading book coming out June 13th.

When I was growing up the youngest of five children, we didn’t have the means to go on fancy vacations to places like Disneyland.  This was fine since even a trip from our small town of Elizabeth (PA) to big city Pittsburgh was a treat.  Summer vacation meant sleepovers with cousins; an annual drive to Port Chester, New York, to stay with my Dad’s parents (where we sometimes went to Rye Beach); and an occasional day at an amusement park in the Pittsburgh area.

Ready? Set. Rides! took me back to the fun I had with my siblings and cousins at West View Park, Rainbow Gardens, and Kennywood Park. (Kennywood is the only one that still exists.)

It’s the last day of school.  Raymond and his friend Roxy are excited to spend their first day of summer vacation at Wild World Park.  Raymond loves speed.  He tries the Ponies, but they’re not fast enough.  He tries the Wild Cat Racer, but it’s still not fast enough.  Will Raymond find the perfect ride before the day is over?

I hope this new addition to the series brings you joy and revives some fond memories of your own.  Happy reading, my friends.

Look for more adventures with Raymond and Roxy in Ready? Set. Raymond! (2002) Ready? Set. Birthday! (2022) and Ready? Set. Puppies (2024).

Answer to Riddle Poem:  For those who read last month’s blog post, the answer to the riddle poem “What Am I” is — a jigsaw puzzle piece.  No one took me up on guessing and claiming a book prize.