Ruby Mae Has Something to Say

by David Small

Miss Ruby Mae Foote of Nada, Texas, a big ambition: to deliver has a message of universal peace and understanding at the United Nations. Problem is, she's tongue-tied! Can a makeshift invention turn Ruby Mae into a political sensation? From Caldecott Honor artist David Small, here's the wise and funny tale of an ordinary woman -- with an extraordinary message.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction

Library Binding

First published July 14, 1992

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

David Small is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal, a Christopher Medal, and the E. B. White Award for his picture books, which include Imogene's Antlers, The Gardener, and So, You Want to Be President? He lives in Mendon, Michigan.

Reviews

[Greg]

Reading this story and learning about the Barbatron reminded me of the old Mel Brooks classic "Spaceballs". There is a part in that movie where that main character Lone Star looses a ring that he thought gave him special powers. The Lone Star hears the voice of reason and it tells him that the ring meant nothing; the real force is inside you. The voice of reason goes so far as to say that the ring is nothing special "It was found in a Cracker-Jack box."

When Ruby Mae, or any other student who might be suffering from learning or speaking difficulty, learns that the real pride is not in her hat, but in herself, she is able to overcome all of her fears. I really liked this book because of the message that it delivers. It seems rare to find a book where the child learns that they need to conquer fears head on, and not dance around the issue.

This book is highly recommended for those students who need to learn that they don't need tangable items to achieve great things. Sure, Ruby Mae had her overgrown hat, but she found strength from within.

[Tom Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I read this with a group of fourth graders, and it was challenging for many of them (this has an AR level of 5.0). However, it was a good way to practice reading and enjoy a decent story.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! We talked a lot about symbols like doves, olive branches, and the Statue of Liberty.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about Ruby Mae who doesn't seem to get words out without mumbling. She has a dream to tell the world about peace, but it is hard when you don't speak clearly. Her nephew wanted to become and inventor and crated a hat that would allow her to speak clearly. It worked and Ruby Mae moved her way up and finally was invited to speak at the United Nations. Once she go there her hat was taken away by a bird and she was nervous and started to mumble again. Her nephew said it was all in her head and she didn't need the hat. She couldn't understand and he made a new hat and she was able to give a wonderful speech to the diplomats.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister read this book to me during my October 2008 visit. It was a really nice moment.

My sister used to work as a teacher's assistant at a Montessori school. She made her own Bobatron to wear while reading the book to the children in her class. How cool is that? Pretty dang cool in my book!

She wore her Bobatron when she read this book to me. That made the moment even nicer.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Mae has a speech disorder, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to help the world. Her nephew invented a device to help her, but it really doesn't do much. The illustrations aren't that spectacular, but the story is good to share. Students could think of other ways to help Ruby Mae get her message across instead of speaking.

[Marjorie Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Mae is full of ambition and wants to address the United Nations one day to deliver her message of universal peace and understanding. The problem is she's tongue tied! Her nephew makes her a Bobatron that corrects her problem...until it flies away!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Mae Foote learns that she really doesn’t need to wear Billy Bob’s hat invention to speak clearly. Her message at the United Nations is great for all.

[Amy]

From Andy

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time favorite picture book