Darling duckling Ruby, from Ruby in Her Own Time (2004), is still the littlest of the clutch, content to take things in her own time. When her bigger, bolder brothers and sisters race off to explore, Ruby prefers to take life more slowly, stopping to appreciate the waterfall, willow, fish and frogs along the way. "Look!" she cries. But the others do not stop. "THIS WAY, RUBY!" they call, unobservant in their hurry. So it's wee Ruby who first sees big black storm clouds sweeping across the sky; and when lightning alarms and disorients the ducks, it's Ruby who, though scared herself, uses the sights and sounds she has noticed as landmarks to navigate the way to safety. Harry's palette of lavender, blue, green and fuzzy, yummy yellow is perfect for her charmingly bedraggled little duckies and their friendly lakeside surroundings, and Emmett's musical, alliterative language (occasionally typeset to reflect the text) is gentle and engaging. (Picture book. 2-6)
Booklist
Mama and Papa duck have five yellow offspringRufus, Rory, Rosie, Rebecca, and Ruby. While Rufus, Rory, Rosie, and Rebecca are energetic and adventurous, Ruby, distinguished by the three feathers that stick up on top of her head, is “small and steady,” and observant. But when the ducklings venture out on their own and become lost as a thunderstorm approaches, it's not Rufus, Rory, Rosie, or Rebecca who saves the day it's Ruby, proving that courage and caution must go hand in hand. The alliterative names provide a fun mantra to recite aloud, and the simple yet movement-filled illustrations, thickly brushed in soft nursery colors, depict a cast of darling ducklings, as deliciously fluffy and sweet as lemon chiffon pie. Stephanie Zvirin
Kirkus
Darling duckling Ruby, from Ruby in Her Own Time (2004), is still the littlest of the clutch,
content to take things in her own time. When her bigger, bolder brothers and sisters race off to explore,
Ruby prefers to take life more slowly, stopping to appreciate the waterfall, willow, fish and frogs along the way. “Look!” she cries. But the others do not stop. “THIS WAY, RUBY!” they call, unobservant in their hurry. So it's wee Ruby who first sees big black storm clouds sweeping across the sky; and when lightning alarms and disorients the ducks, it's Ruby who, though scared herself, uses the sights and sounds she has noticed as landmarks to navigate the way to safety. Harry's palette of lavender,
blue, green and fuzzy, yummy yellow is perfect for her charmingly bedraggled little duckies and their friendly lakeside surroundings, and Emmett's musical, alliterative language (occasionally typeset to reflect the text) is gentle and engaging. (Picture book. 2-6)
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