by Sarah The Duchess of York Ferguson (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (September 23, 2008)
Wait a minute … is that Nancy Clancy (a.k.a. Fancy Nancy)? No, it’s Ruby! Nancy and Ruby share something in common, they look pretty similar. That’s because they share the same best-selling illustrator, Robin Preiss Glasser. At first glance, my three-year-old daughter proclaimed with much excitement, “It’s Fancy Nancy!” When I told her it was a book about a girl named Ruby she gave me the kind of look that would suggest I’m a little bit dense—if you’re a parent, I am sure you know the kind of look I’m talking about. Once we got reading, she soon realized that this character, Ruby, is unique.
Ruby is really fun, considerably energetic, and pretty focused on her own essential needs, so much so, that she seems sweetly oblivious of the need for manners. Ruby has been invited to have tea with the Queen, but does she have the manners needed for such a special occasion? Sarah The Duchess of York Ferguson has put together simple and concise text in a very light-hearted way. It definitely conveys the importance of manners. Glasser’s illustrations have captured a wonderfully tenacious little girl with an inner (very inner) essence of a princess. I think that this book is clever— humor is such a great way to introduce, teach and encourage concepts to preschoolers. It’s energetic and depicts a healthy and strong female character, but has enough sparkle to dazzle any fancy mademoiselle. This book is one of our new family favorites!
Ending spoiler ahead …
The Queen turns out to be Ruby’s Grandmother, which left me with the warm-and-fuzzies. Especially when you see the thank you note that is written by Ruby on the last page. She writes that she is thankful for the tea, but the best part was being with her Grandmother. Great ending.
Other review links:
We Heart Books
Tea with Friends
If you enjoy the following books, I think you will enjoy Tea for Ruby:
- Fancy Nancy series
- Pinkalicious
- Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots
