This Is Ruby

May 1, 2021
Ruby shares a busy day with readers. An unnamed narrator introduces the reader to Ruby, who "can't wait to share her day with you." Readers are invited into Ruby's room, where the various activities with which Ruby keeps herself busy are on display. Among many other things, Ruby likes to invent things, to "figure out how things work," and to "do excavations" with her best friend, Teddy (a puppy). She travels backward and forward in time in the time machine she has invented. Readers are encouraged to stay involved in Ruby's world while doing some self-reflection with questions sprinkled throughout: "Can you feel [your skeleton] underneath your skin?" and "What kinds of things are you curious about?" Brown-skinned Ruby, with her sweet smile, huge Afro, and dynamic curiosity, is an engaging protagonist in whose world readers will delightedly immerse themselves. The illustrations use a tropical palette and a range of double-page spreads and vignettes, including a lovely wordless spread, to achieve an inviting narrative that feels complete with introduction, deep imagination, and a thoughtful farewell to readers. Ruby is an inspirational character and, for truly imaginative young minds, a wonderful playmate. Step right into Ruby's fabulous world, full of the ordinary and extraordinary. (Picture book. 3-8)

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