Archie and Pip: The Halloween Costume Surprise

Written By Mari Richards

It’s time to finally celebrate Archie and Pip’s second book out loud! It actually launched in July, but the story’s Halloween theme means we’re only just now getting to really celebrate it. It’s been a different sort of book launch, and I’ve been itching to share more details but just had to keep waiting … and waiting …

It’s ok though, while waiting, I finished all the art for Archie and Pip’s third book coming out in 2026!

Archie and Pip: The Halloween Costume Surprise

You can find more resources - downloads! videos! and More! - over at Cottage Door Press.
Run and get your own book from your favorite local bookstore, or from online retailers like these:
Archie and Pip at Bookshop.org
Archie and Pip at Amazon

Storytimes and Book Signings

We have some extra fun, unique events planned for this book, and I thought I’d share all the event information here. We have two separate trolley rides at two separate bookstores planned. Can you believe it? We live in an area with multiple storytime trolley tours! I love the Twin Cities. Please join us, I can’t wait to see you there!

Storytime Trolley
Valley Booksellers in Stillwater, MN
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10:30-11:30 am
Purchase tickets here!

Book launch storytime and book signing
Wild Rumpus Books in Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, October 25, 10:30 am

Trick’r Trolley Storytime
Wild Rumpus Books and The Minnesota Streetcar Museum
October 26, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm
Purchase Tickets here!

Behind-The-Scenes

Who’s interested in behind-the-scenes details about the art for Archie and Pip? I can share more about that next. Let me know what interests you most, or if you have specific questions I can answer? Seriously, I’d love your input!

Mari Richards

I’m Mari (rhymes with starry) Richards and I’m an illustrator, author, toy designer, and artist. I love drawing and painting our natural habitats; quirky, mischievous characters; and whimsical, magical worlds.

I’m usually sipping tea and staring out the window of my studio, creating lots of illustrations, toys, surface pattern designs, and kids products. I’ve gathered over 30 industry awards along the way. Some of my favorite career highlights include illustrating the picture book series Archie and Pip, designing with Jellycat; surface pattern designing with Nuby; toy designing as a Senior Product Designer at Manhattan Toy; creating the successful design blog Small for Big, being an original Pinfluencer; completing my MFA, and teaching as an Adjunct Professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and the College of Visual Arts.

I firmly believe making things is a daily requirement. You can find me sketching, gathering rocks and feathers, sniffing every book I read (and some I don’t), and living a chaotic, wonderful life with my husband, daughter, and two rescue mutts near St. Paul, MN.

For all publishing enquiries, please contact my agent Adria Goetz at KT Literary.

https://maririchards.com
Previous

The Loft Literary Center Event
Next

Archie and Pip’s Second Book