Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything

When Ruby's cousin Flying Duck emigrates from China to live with her, Ruby decides the best thing about Flying Duck is that she is a great new friend. BUT the worst thing about Flying Duck is that now, no one speaks English at home. Plus, there's strange food on the table every night and only chopsticks to eat it with. And Flying Duck is deaf, and Ruby doesn't know any Chinese Sign Language.

As if that weren't enough, this summer proves to be even more perilous as Ruby faces the dangers of swimming lessons, the joys of summer school, the difficulty of staying with a twelve-step program, the miracle needed to keep a beautiful stray dog that wanders into her life, and much more. Is it all too much for anyone — even the Empress of Everything — to handle?

When Ruby's cousin Flying Duck emigrates from China to live with her, Ruby decides the best thing about Flying Duck is that she is a great new friend. BUT the worst thing about Flying Duck is that now, no one speaks English at home. Plus, there's strange food on the table every night and only chopsticks to eat it with. And Flying Duck is deaf, and Ruby doesn't know any Chinese Sign Language.

As if that weren't enough, this summer proves to be even more perilous as Ruby faces the dangers of swimming lessons, the joys of summer school, the difficulty of staying with a twelve-step program, the miracle needed to keep a beautiful stray dog that wanders into her life, and much more. Is it all too much for anyone — even the Empress of Everything — to handle?

Publishers Weekly

"Kids who have taken a shine to the likable lass will look forward to her return," wrote PW of Ruby Lu, Brave and True, and now she's back-in Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything by Lenore Look, illus. by Anne Wilsdorf. At the close of the first book, the heroine's cousin, Flying Duck, arrives from China and settles in; here Ruby Lu weighs the pros and cons of her new houseguest. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Lenore Look is the author of the Ruby Lu chapter book series. Both received starred reviews in School Library Journal and were named ALA Notable Books. She is also the author of several acclaimed picture books and lives in Randolph, New Jersey.

LeUyen Pham is the acclaimed author and illustrator of Big Sister, Little Sister and the illustrator of many titles, including Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore. She lives in San Francisco, California.