Rufus Blasts Off! A new book by Kim T Griswell. Author photo by Judy Cox.
Rufus Leroy Williams III is a bright pink pig with an even brighter imagination. He wants to learn things, and go places. Like your toddler or preschooler, Rufus is impatient, eager, and insistent.
He also likes to press buttons. What kid (I mean, pig) doesn’t?
In the first installment of his trilogy of adventures, Rufus Goes to School, Rufus Leroy Williams III would like to go to school.
But the principal is unequivocal: NO PIGS IN SCHOOL.
“Why?” asks the innocent, ever-eager Rufus.
The principal catalogues Rufus’s potential to make trouble:
- Snout prints on the windows
- Food fights in the cafeteria
- Stick figures on the chalkboard
Despite Rufus’s detailed promises, the principal refuses to budge.
I won’t spoil the ending but suffice it to say that Rufus’s journey from outcast to in-pig will charm every young reader, especially those excited—and terrified—about going to school for the first time.
Once Rufus has mastered school, it’s time—of course—for a second adventure.
This time, as foreshadowed in the first book’s last drawing, Rufus is on his way to sea.
Rufus Goes to Sea is just as fun as Rufus Goes to School.
Ahoy, mateys!
If overcoming the principal’s objections in book one was difficult, imagine convincing a ship full of snarling pirates that a small pink pig should be their shipmate.
Now Rufus is going farther than he’s ever gone before—out into the Solar System to explore Mars.
Rufus Blasts Off! is the long-awaited, long anticipated sequel to Rufus Goes to Sea.
Does this little piggy have what it takes to be a Martian?
I’ve had the good fortune to be in a writing group with Rufus creator Kim T. Griswell.
She’s a fearsomely good editor, stylish dresser, prolific writer, bespectacled mom of five (four sons and a daughter), and grandmother of seven.
You would never think it to look at her, but she’s even got one GREAT grandkid.
Kim T. Griswell is also a former editor of Highlights Magazine, a nice southern girl born and raised in Georgia, and a writer with imagination that’s out of this world (get it?).
Rufus Blasts Off! is her best adventure yet. If you haven’t read the three books to your kids yet, I’m jealous. You are going to have so much fun.
Invite Kim T. Griswell to your school or literary function.
Read more about her in this article.
And order your Rufus books, which are published by Sterling, online or wherever books are sold.
Related articles:
A New Book Redefines Feminine Strength
My Friend Alisa’s Rules for Book Promotion
Learning to Love Pink
This is a Spotlight Saturday post. Spotlight Saturdays showcase books and authors—both contemporary and classic. If you’re a published author with a new book coming out and you are interested in being showcased on JenniferMargulis.net, please ask your publicist to contact us.
Published: March 11, 2019
Last update: May 7, 2021
Can’t wait to buy my own copy of this adorable book!
So honored to have Jennifer stick her neck out for my latest Rufus book. She’s a brilliant writer who really knows how to get things done and I’m learning so many things from her. That’s why I’m especially jazzed for her to spotlight RUFUS BLASTS OFF! Thanks so much!