Ruby Rose Off to School She Goes!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

While getting ready for her first day of school, Ruby Rose dances while she eats, brushes her teeth dancing and incorporates it into everything she does. Her mother gently reminds her that learning to sit still is part of school. Throughout the day Ruby dances through story time, art, PE, media center and lunch with each adult, identified with their role, reminding her that there is no dancing at school. At the end of the day, a mishap with the ant farm in the classroom provides the punchline to the story when Ruby Rose returns home. Throughout the text various types of dance and specific steps are incorporated. Ohi's pastel colored illustrations are spot-on in the beginning of the story showing Ruby's dancing moves with action and placing the background in gray sketched lines to keep the focus on her. A variety of skin tones are presented in the school cast. Unfortunately, a variety of facial expressions are lacking. The larger concern with this picture book is the premise. Ruby Rose comes off as a dance lover who does not listen. The adults are presented as negative, inflexible and lacking in skill to divert Ruby's need to dance in constructive ways. There are numerous first-day-of-school stories that present humorous ways to ease children into the new routine in a more positive way. Shuffle ball change over to one of those.

Overall Book Score: fair