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
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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 Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
