The problem is not the diary format itself. Booksellers cite past journal-style successes
such as Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries and the more recent Ellie McDoodle series by
Ruth McNally Barshaw. "You're basically telling a story through a child's eyes," said
Kenny Brechner, owner of Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers in Farmington, Me.
He calls the Ellie McDoodle series "fantastic, original," despite the similar diary format.

"The more the merrier, as long as the quality of writing is still there," said Heather
Doss, children's merchandise manager for Bookazine. "There's no point in putting out
books that the kids are going to look at and roll their eyes. Kids are very, very smart.
They know when they're being taken advantage of." -- written by Karen Springen for
Publishers Weekly, 3/9/2009, read the article here on my site

"Author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw has created something special with this
character and with this format. Part novel, part journal, part comic book, Barshaw’s
unique style of sketch-journaling is a treat." -Teens Read Too, read entire review here

Anokaberry listing here

" ...gobble down this fast read, enjoy the jokes and riddles, familiar situations
and interesting instructions for group games and paper-folding woven into the story."
- Kirkus Reviews

"a funny, warm story about friends, family, and finding your voice" - Lori Van Hoesen,
read entire review here

"Speaks volumes with its words and its pictures. This record of a diarist is
fun to read and recommended." -Curledup.com

"Lots of voice, humor, and pre-teen attitude shine through the pages in
Ellie's journal." -Grand Rapids Press

"There's never been a better time to indulge in a book that can offer
you cool pictures, great characters, a fun story, and a little redemption
on the side. A small pure gem."
-- Elizabeth Bird, Fuse # 8 Productions blog

"This book reminded me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid because of the sly humor
and funny pictures, so if you like Ellie McDoodle, try Diary of a Wimpy Kid next!"
-- Westwood Children's Dept blog

"YES! YES! YES! Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel by Ruth Barshaw
is just what I have been looking for!"
-- Read Read Read 5th grade teacher's blog

"As Ellie shares her frustrations, conflicts, fun and wildlife facts, readers
observe the valuable lessons that she learns about getting along with
others–even if they seem to be obnoxious relatives."
-- School Library Journal

"With fewer words and many pictures on each page than most books for this
age group, this is a delight."
-- Teens Read Too

"I am always on the lookout for great books to serve as models for kids' own
writers' notebooks. This is one I'll add to my collection."
A Year of Reading blog

"I loved that the text is full of both facts-- outdoorsy/nature type things--
and how tos--instructions for how to play games both indoor and outdoor.
But more importantly I love how Ellie's voice is captured."
-- Becky's Book Reviews

"Ruth McNally Barshaw's Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel is a fun example
of a new genre which we'd call "graphic novel" if only status-conscious comic
books hadn't already grabbed that moniker."
-- Oz and Ends blog

"The minimal text, sprightly illustrations, and plentiful action will appeal even to
kids who think they don't like to read. At the same time, the story offers a depth
of characterizations and plot development to satisfy more demanding readers."
-- Paula Morrow Making Writers Better

"As the vacation ends Ellie admits that she has had more fun than she'd expected
and, on a list of things she learned during the week, includes a nugget of wisdom:
'No girl is an island. We're all in this together. Might as well try to get along.'"
-- Publishers Weekly

"Realistically portrays the characters (even the adults!), giving readers much to
consider about the pros and cons of relationships, along with hilarious situations
and witty asides. There's also a mystery regarding some frogs, nuggets of facts
about creatures and plants in the wild, and a bit of spot-on preteen philosophy."
-- Kidsreads.com

"Ellie McDoodle is the Wimpy Kid, for girls."
-- Buckeye Bookworm blog

Parenting Pink reviews Ellie 3 on their site and it's on my website here
"Barshaw perfectly captures the exaggerated, sometimes dramatic voice
of a smart, unique, funny nine-year-old girl"
http://parentingpink.com/2010/08/ellie-mcdoodle/

The Indy Star Online calls Ellie McDoodle a fun book, useful for reluctant
readers and for teaching children how to write, in an article about teaching.
Read the article here and on my site.

Detroit's Metro Parent interviewed me -- article by Patti Richards here on her site.

Here's my ICL Chat on Humor: ICL website and also here and here's more on humor.