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Inspiring the Next Generation

October 20, 2022

Last month, I mailed three copies of my book, Journey to Jumbalot, to Harvard Elementary located in Toledo, Ohio. I was pleased to receive a message from Harvard's principal thanking me for the books and they will be placed in their school library. He invited me to speak to the students, but I told him I would provide a video message since I currently reside in Florida.

I attended Harvard between 1984-1990 and I have very fond memories from my childhood. I loved sledding down a large hill next to the school and my friends and I spent countless hours on the playground. I loved to draw during this time, and I think some of the earliest versions of my book's characters were sketched with crayons.

It's a great feeling to know that my books are now available in Harvard's library, and I hope it inspires one of their students to use their imagination to build fantastic, new worlds.

The Latest Jumbalot News!

Presentation at Belmont Elementary

By Ryan Wakefield • February 10, 2025
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Belmont Elementary for inviting me to speak about my preteen fantasy novel, Journey to Jumbalot, on January 30! It was a joy to meet so many enthusiastic elementary students who were eager to learn about my book and my writing process. We had a great time discussing how I used to draw animal hybrids with crayons and markers when I was their age, and how some of those early creations inspired characters in my novel. Additionally, I shared insights about my role as a multimedia designer at the USF College of Engineering. The students were particularly excited about two projects I showcased: the COE Sizzle Reel video and the Rocky mascot augmented reality Poster! COE Sizzle Reel: https://youtu.be/SLgICHgGa3I  Rocky AR Poster: https://youtube.com/shorts/KMProROL7hQ?si=AdhQsaxyRNZCvOoY

Journey to Jumbalot Sequel

By Ryan Wakefield • November 11, 2024
I’m excited to announce the title of the sequel to my award-winning fantasy novel: The Knights of Jumbalot! Alby and Professor Wizoom will return to the magical world of Jumbalot to face an unimaginable evil that threatens their existence. The Knights of Jumbalot must rise and unite to defend their world.  The book is still in its early stages, but I’ll keep everyone updated on my progress and potential release date. Alby is ready for another adventure!

Readers' Favorite Book Awards Ceremony

By Ryan Wakefield • December 1, 2023
It was a wonderful experience accepting my book’s gold medal on stage at the annual Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Journey to Jumbalot won a gold medal within the preteen fantasy category last year, but I was unable to attend since my wife and I were both sick with pneumonia. I’d like to thank the event organizers at Readers’ Favorite for allowing me to accept my award this year on stage - it meant a lot to us both! We also attended the massive Miami Book Fair and enjoyed chatting with several fellow authors.
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