We love Ruby! We’ve met Ruby before in her earlier books and we always look forward to immersing ourselves in her warm and inviting world. Ruby Red Shoes books are firm favourites at our house and are on high rotation for read-aloud time.
Ruby is a little hare who lives with her grandmother in a comfy caravan in a wondrous garden. They have a vegetable patch and chickens and they love being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air. Ruby has visited London and Paris and taken us there in her previous books, but this book is about Ruby’s life with her grandmother at home.
Kate Knapp is the writer and illustrator and Ruby is entirely her creation. Kate says “Ruby’s purpose is to provide children everywhere with a kindred spirit who really sees them, nurtures them, inspires and guides them.” Kate is based in Brisbane, and the Australian cultural sensibilities are evident in the illustrations and quirky references. Aussie kids will relate to scrambling around rock pools and the other outdoor pursuits of Ruby and her grandmother.
In delicate watercolour paintings over 14 beautiful double page spreads, Ruby reveals the reasons she thinks her grandmother is so wonderful. This touching and gentle story is sure to spark conversation about why we love our grannies, and how special they make us feel.
This sturdy hardcover edition will become a firm favourite with children, grandmothers and other special people who have little children to read to. Kate Knapp has dedicated this book “To everyone with the heart of a grandmother”. It’s perfect for Mother’s Day or any other gift-giving occasion, and it’s sure to touch the heart of all who read it.
I would recommend this book for children 3+ and all kind-hearted souls who care for littlies in any capacity.
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