Ruby In Her Own Time [Hardcover]

Jonathan Emmett (Author), Rebecca Harry (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Meet Ruby -- a little duckling who reaches big milestones in the heartwarming picture book gem.


Mother Duck and Father Duck are worried about Ruby. As the littlest duckling of the family, she learns to eat and swim long after her four sisters and brothers. Father Duck frets that Ruby will never catch up, but Mother Duck calmly reassures him that Ruby will flourish -- "in her own time."

Readers of all ages who have ever felt like the biggest or the littlest, the slowest or the fastest, or somewhere in between, will root for Ruby as she takes wing toward independence, at last. Once you've met Ruby, you'll never forget her!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In today’s dog-eat-dog world of competitive parenting, where moms and dads flaunt their children’s developmental milestone accomplishments like Wall Street coups, little duckling Ruby simply won’t play that game. She hatches late, is a picky eater, and refuses to swim, even while siblings Rufus, Rorie, Rosie, and Rebecca stick with the program. Their father despairs of Ruby ever catching up, but wise Mother Duck is quietly confident: "She will…in her own time." And sure enough, when it comes time to spread their wings, Ruby flies higher and farther than any of her brothers and sisters. But will she ever come back? You guessed it: "She will…in her own time."

Jonathan Emmett (Bringing Down the Moon) pens a positively charming, nicely rounded story, perfect for tots--and their anxious parents--who live on their own timeline. Rebecca Harry’s cheery pastel illustrations give readers an adorable duck family they’ll want to reach out and touch. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K--Two ducks watch over their five eggs, four of which hatch at the same time. Mother Duck tells Father Duck that the fifth one will hatch "in its own time." Eventually, the shell cracks and tiny Ruby enters the world. She tackles all tasks at her own pace, including eating and swimming. However, when it comes time for the siblings to stretch their wings, Ruby soars the farthest and highest. One day, she flies away, and her mother reassures her father that their child will return, once again, in her own time. When she does come home, Ruby is accompanied by her own mate and ducklings. This charming book celebrates an individual's determination and sense of self. The pacing of the rhythmic text is ideal for family storytimes that include youngsters of varying ages. Harry's soft, pastel paintings are gentle and appealing. They are slightly textured, suggesting the look of feathers, nests, and river reeds. Ruby flaps her wings to her own drummer and astute readers will recognize her parents' strength as they provide the necessary time and space for her to accomplish her goals.--Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (February 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439579155
• ISBN-13: 978-0439579155
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jonathan was born in Leicestershire in 1965, the son of a rig fitter and a primary school teacher.
In addition to writing picture books such as "Bringing Down the Moon", "Someone Bigger" and "Ruby, in Her Own Time", Jonathan also paper-engineers pop-up books. His books have won several awards including the Red House Children's Book Award for "Pigs Might Fly" and the Kiekeboekprijs for "Bringing Down the Moon".
He lives in Nottingham with his wife, Rachel, and his children, Max and Laura.
Visit his website at www.scribblestreet.co.uk

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important message for parents too!, May 31, 2005

By 

Doula Chris (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ruby In Her Own Time (Hardcover)

I can't say enough about this book and its positive message about trusting your instincts as a parent and following your child's lead. Yes, this book has adorable photos and simple text that children will enjoy - but it also carries an empowering message that is important in today's fast-paced world of schedules and timetables of development for healthy babies and toddlers. Children will do what they are ready to do - when they are ready to do it, if we only let them. We are in such a rush for our babies to be born, to eat, to talk, to walk... to grow up. Have faith in them, offer a safe and loving environment and know that they will FLY when they are ready! I think this book makes a great gift for new parents as well as their babies and toddlers!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars sweet spring time choice, March 26, 2004

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ruby In Her Own Time (Hardcover)

Ruby in her Own Time is a heartwarming story. Ruby is a late bloomer from the start. She's the last egg to hatch. Growing up she's the last one to eat and the last to learn to fly. Her mother and father know that she will do things in her own time. And she does! She grows up and has a family of her own.

I liked the painted illusrations in the book. They are done in soft pastel colors. This is a great spring time story.

I would recommed this book to young children. It's a great book to share with kids who might have low self-esteem. It will teach them that all kids and animals grow "in their own time"!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars **Caution**, December 8, 2008

By 

Wood Turner "proud grandpa" (NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ruby In Her Own Time (Scholastic Bookshelf) (Paperback)

I bought all 3 Ruby books to give to our granddaughter. Be aware, "Ruby In Her Own Time" & "Ruby Flew Too" are the EXACT SAME stories, word for word, picture for picture, just 2 different titles! Doesn't make sense!How dissapointed I am, as I was truly looking forward to giving the 3 books, I even bought a plush duck that looks just like Ruby to present with them. The stories are "darling" & I'm hoping more books come out soon so we can follow Ruby's story. Now I have to decide which title to return.