Jingle All the Way

Blue Yellow Minimalist Meet The Team Instagram Post - 1Bring on the color, fun, decorations, and wheels…the jingle trucks are here! Author Hinna Shahid visited our library’s story time, and brought her two fantastic books to share: My First Jingle Truck, and Riding on a Tuk Tuk (Vah Masti Books, 2022). Both of these wonderful books take the reader on a journey through the landscapes and culture of South Asia. Hinna brought six signed copies to give away, which was amazing!

Jingle trucks are famous in South Asia for their elaborate patterns, details, calligraphy, and paintings. Each truck is unique to the driver, and represents pride in their work as well as their dedication to beauty. The truck’s dangling chains earn them their famous name. A tuk tuk is a smaller three-wheel truck, used for zipping around the roads quickly.

We decided to bring Hinna’s book to life by decorating step-inside jingle trucks! Our trucks were white office file boxes. We cut the bottoms out, then used that extra cardboard to fashion the cab of the truck. A pair of ribbons tied to the handles of the box acted as suspenders to hold the truck in place. Then we brought TONS of decorating supplies out of our art cabinets.

The biggest hit were bookmark tassels left over from this event. I also learned that many jingle trucks have “Horn Please” signs on the back. So I created those as well!

The office filing boxes we used were a bit of a splurge (a package of 20 costs $50 on Amazon. However, copy paper boxes work as well if you have room to store them. The  boxes fit drivers of every size:

Large…

Medium…

And small!

When the trucks were complete, Hinna handed out jingle bell bracelets to each driver (again, purchased on Amazon, a box of 48 were $33). To keep your budget low, you can buy packs of individual jingle bells (typically a pack of 50 runs about $6) and hand out just a few per driver.

After rush hour ended, I caught up with Hinna to chat about her awesome books!


Please tell us a little about yourself!

I am a Physician Scientist working in the healthcare industry and a mother to a 3-year-old toddler residing in New Jersey.

Both of your books My First Jingle Truck and Riding on a Tuk Tuk were released in 2022. How did these books come about?

My upbringing involved extensive travel around the world, with one of my favorite destinations being my grandparents’ home in Pakistan during the summer. During those trips, I was fascinated by the multitude of three-wheel vehicles known as Auto Rickshaws and the vibrant, hand-painted Trucks that adorned the roads. Among my cherished childhood memories is the joy of riding with my grandmother on a Tuk Tuk to explore the local bazaar. The experience of zipping through the narrow streets, feeling the wind in my hair, and being enchanted by the delightful aroma of spices is something I still hold dear.

As I witnessed my own son growing up in the United States, I wanted to share my childhood reminiscences with him by reading books together. However, during the COVID pandemic, while searching online, I was unable to find a book that captured those memories. This inspired me to embark on a journey as a children’s book author, which began about two years ago. As a determined mother on a mission, I set out to share my treasured recollections of South Asia with the world.

Your books are on wheels! That’s fantastic! How did you decide to add those?

In my quest to introduce my son to the rich tapestry of South Asian culture in an enjoyable manner, serendipity struck during a family trip to London. There, I came across books equipped with wheels, and a creative idea took shape in my mind. Inspired by this discovery, I resolved to incorporate wheels into the books, transforming them into captivating and interactive pieces for young readers.

Are there any illustrations or locations in the books that are significant to you?

Within the pages of the two books, numerous stops and locations hold significance as they are drawn from a blend of my cherished childhood memories and recent journeys to India and Pakistan. Among these, Agra, India, holds a special place in my heart, for it is there that the awe-inspiring beauty of the Taj Mahal was brought to life.

What are you working on now?

I am currently immersed in several exciting projects for my next books. At the moment, I am exploring captivating new themes and storylines that will engage young readers and spark their imaginations. I’m also delving into more diverse cultures and settings, aiming to introduce children to different parts of the world through the magic of storytelling. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments from me as a children’s book author. There are wonderful adventures and heartwarming tales waiting to be unveiled. Your continued support and interest mean a lot, and I can’t wait to share these new stories with you soon!


Many thanks to Hinna Shahid for coming to our library and donating books to our library visitors! See you on the road! 

Studio Snapshots: Mariana Ruiz Johnson

Recently, I had the pleasure to meet Rodrigo Morlesin and preview his fantastic new book Luna Ranchera. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL…full of color, life, emotion, and charm. And when Rodrigo pointed out the cameo appearance of himself and the book’s illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson? I just knew we needed to feature her on Studio Snapshots!

Also I wonder…who is that handsome bird in a hat at their table? That might have to remain a forever mystery. And now, let’s join Mariana as she takes us around her studio in Buenos Aires!


I’m an Argentinian illustrator and author, and I’m interested in exploring picture books of all kinds, from baby books to graphic novels. I have won some international contests such as the Compostela Illustrated Album Award, and the Silent Book Contest. I have published books on every continent, and my latest release in the United States is Luna Ranchera, written by Rodrigo Morlesin and published by Minerva.

My studio is a small room at the back of my house, in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. To get to it, you have to cross a patio that we filled with plants.

There is a split glass window with blue and orange borders, which is what I like the most about that space, because it lets in the light and looks right at a monstera with impressively large leaves.

It is a very small space in which there is a desk with the computer, and the wacom cintiq. I have everything within reach, in drawers and shelves. I also posted some of my own drawings and those of my friends, which inspire me and make me feel accompanied.

When I have to do analog processes, I move everything to the side and spread out the paper and art materials.

Sometimes my black cat, Cuca, accompanies me.

Since I have small children and I like to change places to work, sometimes I move around the house and take “my studio” to different spaces. I like to share my materials and the creative process with them, so we often draw together, at the kitchen table or at a table in the patio. In that sense, it is common to see brushes and pencils in the kitchen, sketchbooks on the coffee table, Indian ink in the room where I sleep.


Images courtesy of Mariana Ruiz Johnson

One Headache to Rule Them All

Going on an adventure? Might want to grab an extra bottle of Tylenol before you step off the Shire! We tested the “Lord of the Rings: Shadows Over Middle-earth” escape room by Exit the Game…and it didn’t quite work out for our merry gang!

“Shadows Over Middle-earth” retails for around $20 on sites like Amazon. It’s manufactured by Kosmos, intended for ages 10+, takes 1-4 players, purports to be just above novice level, and takes an estimated 1-2 hours to complete.The box was promising, and included the oh-so-iconic Ring of Power.

Our game testers were Katie, an intrepid 11 year-old nephew of a colleague, and Daniel our summer intern (who sportingly posed in Gandalf gear for this post).

Daniel authored today’s game review, but I’ll preface it by saying – this escape room was much harder then the box suggested. From the adjoining room, I could hear groans, growls, and wizardly exclamations of frustration from the questers. Also, our game was missing a crucial peace at the very end, so it ended up as more a frustrating headache then triumphant quest. As demonstrated by Daniel/Gandalf…

Daniel’s review is below, but don’t miss his interview at the end of this post! Take it away Daniel!


The “Shadows Over Middle-earth” escape room takes the player on an arduous adventure through Middle-earth in hopes of finding and destroying the ring of power, an enchanted band of gold that gives its wielder an unlimited source of power. Gandalf the Grey has enlisted the help of any person brave enough to embark on this dangerous journey to help Frodo and his band of Hobbits find Sauron’s ring and destroy it once and for all.

While the minimum age listed on the box is ten, purchasers should be aware that the skill-level demanded by Gandalf aligns more with a minimum age of fifteen. In addition, this particular escape game is a level two on a scale from novice to expert. It should be noted that while the difficulty is marked as a level two, these brave adventurers felt that it was at least a level four as it expected a high knowledge of riddle and puzzle solving.

This adventure-packed activity includes multiple game pieces, riddle cards, a map, a decoder, and a riddle book. Some materials must be cut, so be sure to have those handy Hobbit shears on hand. Similarly, it is important to note that while these adventurers were brave enough to overcome any obstacle, a missing game piece proved to be a formidable challenge, so make sure to check the box for all listed items before beginning.

While traversing through the enchanted forests and hills of Middle-earth, some adventures may need a helping hand as some riddles can surely sway them off their quest. Fear not, Gandalf has given any brave soul a chance to ask for help! Simply enlist his assistance by picking up a help card and Gandalf will be sure to provide you with more information that will help you solve these crucial riddles. Overall, these courageous participants feel that from one to five stars, this enthralling game earned a solid three stars for its ingenuity and creativeness.

Now, fearless warrior, go out and embark on the journey of a lifetime! Take these tips to help you along the way, but beware, Sauron’s power grows stronger by the minute! Are you ready?


After the quest, we caught up with non-Gandalf Daniel to ask him a little about himself and his experience with us this summer. We have enjoyed having him SO much. His energy and enthusiasm are legendary, as are his scholarly skills. From curating an upcoming #ColorOurCollections, to rolling up his sleeves at story time, Daniel is absolutely brilliant and excels in everything he does. It was truly honor to work with him.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself!

Hey everyone! My name is Daniel Dias, but you can call me Dan! I am a rising junior at Rutgers University, New Brunswick where I study history and minor in religion. I adore history and it has certainly become something of a passion of mine, whether it be local or world history, the past is something that deeply intrigues me! When I’m not thinking about lost civilizations or what George Washington ate for breakfast that one time in 1778, I enjoy traveling, riding my bike, hanging out with friends, and playing music. I am a Low Brass section leader in the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights which is such an incredible experience!

Outside of my hobbies and extra-curricular activities, I work as a Youth Suicide Prevention Associate for the New Jersey chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. I want to make a difference in the world wherever I can, and I have found that if you’re passionate about anything, you can always help people and leave your community and the world a much better place!

Growing up, what was your experience with libraries?

Growing up, I actually didn’t go to the library that often, if ever. It isn’t something that I would like to admit, but I honestly didn’t. I was extremely fortunate to have an array of books in my house, so I didn’t need to utilize my town’s resources that much. However, when I’d travel with my parents, visiting foreign libraries became sort of a hobby of ours and thus, my fascination with diverse approaches to library sciences began. Libraries are a place where every child should go to. They inspire, captivate, and open our minds to the world!

What are you most eager to experience in your internship this summer?

I’d first like to mention how incredibly grateful I am to have been granted access into a world only few really get to see. The knowledge that I have gained in such a short time here at Princeton has already begun to shape my perceptions and broaden my horizons into a field that intrigues me so much. What an honor it is to work in the same space that accomplished professionals work in and what a privilege it is to be able to study in the same library where some of the greatest minds on earth have.

With that being said, I am very eager to experience connections with professionals who, in large part, are the best in their field. I want to learn from them and their experiences in hopes of truly understanding the importance of the work they do on a daily basis and how that fits into the larger picture of scholarly research. Accessioning, cataloging, preserving, conserving…these are all words that are associated with archives and special collections, but I want to get to know the faces behind that. I am eager to challenge myself and hopefully think and act as critically as they do.

What’s next for you?

After this incredible experience comes to an end, I will be enduring the heat during band camp, where the Marching Scarlet Knights will be preparing for an incredible season which will culminate with us marching in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! I will also be continuing my studies in history and am fortunate to say that I will be conducting research again with the Scarlet & Black Research Center at Rutgers. In addition, I will be continuing my work on the mental health front as well as my volunteering at the Woodbridge Public Library, an institution that I owe my gratitude and success to as they have truly enabled me to pursue my passion for historical research and archival sciences. Other than that, I’ll just be running around like usual, eager to get to work!

What are Dr. Dana and Katie REALLY like?

I can honestly say that I have never had the privilege of working with a more dynamic and creative team as Dr. Dana and Katie. In my short time with them, I have seen their ingenuity, wittiness, and craziness create truly spectacular projects for their young patrons. To say that they have such big hearts full of love for every child who comes into the Cotsen Gallery would be a massive understatement. They truly put the time and effort into creating an unforgettable experience for each child! Just be careful, don’t let Katie’s Lego sets or Dr. Dana’s Taylor Swift poncho fool you, they can talk anybody into dressing up like any character, especially me as Gandalf! You should have heard my conversation with my parents after they asked me how my day was! So, if you’re ever visiting Princeton and happen to hear loud noises or laughter coming from the library, don’t be scared for it is only the two coolest people at work!


Awwwwww! Come back to the library anytime Daniel…you’re family now!

Blog update! Everyone is now referring to Daniel as “Dandolf.” AWESOME.