Ruby’s Baby Brother by K. White & M. Latimer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20361/G2JG73Abstract
White, Kathryn and Miriam Latimer. Ruby’s Baby Brother. Cambridge, MA: Barefoot Books, 2013. Print.
Ruby’s Baby Brother is a delightful new entry in the “Ruby’s” series, in which Ruby experiences new activities and situations (Ruby’s School Walk, Ruby’s Sleepover). This third installment is particularly for young children who may relate to the roller coaster feelings of excitement, uncertainty, jealousy and joy when facing the prospect of an additional member to the family.
The book reads with remarkable rhyming and dancing texts on each page. Latimer’s illustrations introduce readers to a loving young family, living in a colourful and cozy home. Inside this home is Ruby, with cute curly ponytails, waiting anxiously by the window as her parents walk to the house from their red car. She has a strong negative impression of babies, and is honest in her thoughts: “Babies are smelly;…and Leon is bound to snatch all my toys”. To solve this paramount problem, Ruby imaginatively plans to use magic to let her brother fly away as a bat or be blasted up to the moon in a rocket that she makes. One wonders if better preparation would have helped this little girl’s “strange” and “scary” feelings.
Ruby also articulates her fears and vulnerability toward her new baby brother, Leon. “What if he says to me, ‘This is My house./ So Ruby, I’m turning you into a mouse.” However, when she gets a chance to hold and cuddle with Leon, she realizes her brother is actually harmless, “warm and small”. And she embarks on a courageous quest to include her brother in all her adventures as “a queen and a knight” to the sea, the sky and outer space. She would even protect him from night time witches and wizards.
Accompanying this fanciful big-sister journey is the adorable depiction of a family’s new-baby reality: new crib and toys in nursery, mommy breast-feeding and daddy changing diapers. The charming stick people drawings on opening and closing pages reassure readers that little baby brother is no longer a distant figure separated from the family at the other side of the house, and he is welcomed into the arms and affectionate gaze of a happy Ruby.
Recommended: 3 stars out of 4
Reviewer: Liza Chan
Liza Chan is a Research Librarian, cross-appointed at Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions and University of Alberta John W. Scott Health Sciences Libraries. She is also a proud auntie to 2 nephews, with whom she often enjoys visiting local libraries.
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