Ruby in Her Own Time

Publishers Weekly

Emmett's (Bringing Down the Moon) cuddly tale stars a mother and father duck who lovingly watch over the five eggs in their nest until hatching time arrives. But when only four ducklings break out of their shells, Mother and Father Duck assure the feathered siblings that baby number five will arrive "in its own time." The patient parents never pressure their fifth-born to keep up with the others ("We'll call her Ruby... because she's small and precious," says her mother). And though she's late to the party in many respects, Ruby eventually catches up and soars beyond her siblings on bold wings. The sweet, comforting tone of Emmett's text will be as welcome as a favorite blanket at bedtime. Bearing a resemblance to Leo the Late Bloomer, the story conveys the mother's knowing, steadfast support of Ruby, even as Father Duck has a few doubts ("Will it ever hatch?" he asks, "Will she ever swim?"). Harry's (the Noisy Farm Babies board books; the Ella the Elephant board books) pastel illustrations, featuring fuzzy line-edges and warm, inviting tones, capture the brightness of a sunny day at the pond. And her fluffy ducklings are irresistible, sporting downy yellow feathers and wide orange beaks. All ages. (Feb.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Mother duck steadfastly sat on five eggs through all kinds of weather. Four ducklings poked out of the shells at the same time, but the fifth one was delayed. Father Duck wanted to know if it would ever hatch and Mother Duck replied, "In its own time." Sure enough, Ruby, so named because she was small and precious, was born. These reassuring words are repeated again as Ruby learns to eat and swim. But when the littlest duck learns to fly, she soars above the others. There is a wonderful lesson about growth and development, as all children do not learn at the same time. Wonderful illustrations with soft and breezy colors beautifully capture the engaging duck family. The heartwarming story is sure to appeal to young children and educators will discover a valuable lesson to share. 2003, Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8.
—Laura Hummel

School Library Journal

PreS-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 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Reminiscent of a well-known tale, Ruby, the youngest of five ducklings, in her own time, learns what her siblings learn first: hatch, eat, swim, and take wing. Throughout the story Father Duck asks, "Will she ever . . . ?" "She will, in her own time," replies Mother Duck. The story comes full circle when Mother Duck asks, "Will she ever come back?" It's Father Duck who replies, "In her own time." And Ruby does, with a brood of her own, as Mother and Father Duck proudly look on. Soft-edged forms and pastels create characters that mirror the lyrical language and calm tone of the story. Animal gestures are vividly illustrated as Ruby plops out of the egg or braves fierce winds and rain. Children will love the repetition and simple language. Adults will appreciate the reassuring and timeless message of honoring one's own rhythm in growing up. This message is not new, yet has a freshness and life all its own. (Picture book. 3-6)