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Ruby Red Shoes
Ruby Red Shoes
Ruby Red Shoes lives in a colourful caravan with her grandmother.
Ruby is gentle and kind and cares for all living things, including plants and trees, animals and people.
Ruby is also particularly fond of strawberry jam and peppermint tea.
Ruby is gentle and kind and cares for all living things, including plants and trees, animals and people.
Ruby is also particularly fond of strawberry jam and peppermint tea.
25 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Kate Knapp
21 books25 followersHi, and thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page! I don't visit this site often, so the best way to reach me is via my websites at www.rubyredshoes.com.au and www.twigseeds.com or on instagram and facebook where I'm @missrubyredshoes and @twigseeds
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Kate Knapp is an Australian author and illustrator.
Her studio, Twigseeds, has given flight to a world of colourful characters, including the charming and much loved aware hare and children's book character, Ruby Red Shoes.
Ruby lives in a prettily painted caravan with her grandmother, Babushka Galina Galushka. Ruby is gentle and kind and cares for all living things. Her days are spent tending to her vegetable patch, chatting to her chickens and enjoying the outdoors and sunshine. Ruby is particularly partial to strawberry jam and peppermint tea. She is also rather fond of red shoes.
The Twigseeds band of furry and feathery friends have grown a following of both children and grown-ups alike. They have appeared in books, magazines, art prints, greeting cards, stationery, plush toys and bed linen.
Kate creates all her artwork by hand, using pencil, ink, watercolour ... and a bit of magic.
-----------------------------------------------
Kate Knapp is an Australian author and illustrator.
Her studio, Twigseeds, has given flight to a world of colourful characters, including the charming and much loved aware hare and children's book character, Ruby Red Shoes.
Ruby lives in a prettily painted caravan with her grandmother, Babushka Galina Galushka. Ruby is gentle and kind and cares for all living things. Her days are spent tending to her vegetable patch, chatting to her chickens and enjoying the outdoors and sunshine. Ruby is particularly partial to strawberry jam and peppermint tea. She is also rather fond of red shoes.
The Twigseeds band of furry and feathery friends have grown a following of both children and grown-ups alike. They have appeared in books, magazines, art prints, greeting cards, stationery, plush toys and bed linen.
Kate creates all her artwork by hand, using pencil, ink, watercolour ... and a bit of magic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 27, 2016
Read this out loud to a very enthusiastic three year old, who knew the story back-to-front and found the illustrations laugh-out-loud amusing.
I was a little less impressed than the child, but then I suppose I'm not the target audience. It's a sweet little book anyway, though I would hardly call it a story...
I was a little less impressed than the child, but then I suppose I'm not the target audience. It's a sweet little book anyway, though I would hardly call it a story...
May 10, 2015
I first heard about Ruby Red Shoes when I was wrapping up the 2014 Readings Children’s Book Prize (where its sequel was shortlisted). It certainly looked beautiful, but at the time neither the original or its sequel were easily found in my local bookshops or department stores, so I filed it away in the ‘nice to read it if I ever find it’ part of my mind.
Thankfully, a month or so ago, I did find both the books at my local Target (of all places) and my son then pulled them out of one of my many ‘to read’ piles and insisted on them. So we cuddled together on the couch and were introduced to the lovely world of Ruby (and her Red Shoes)
There’s really no plot to this book. Instead it’s an extended introduction to Ruby and her world and the philosophy her grandmother is using to bring her up. Ruby is a white hare who lives in a beautiful caravan with her grandmother, who wants her to be an aware hare – to treat the feelings of others with great care. We learn about her garden and her Francophile chickens who prefer croissants and baguettes to breadcrumbs and cheat at passionfruit soccer.
This is an incredibly calming book. The illustrations are soft and pretty with lots of gentle curves and the text is full of comforting words and phrases like ‘warm and cosy’ and ‘places to drift off and snooze’. My particular favourite paragraph talks about the caravan Ruby and her grandmother share and how it’s full of things they love:
“There are generous teacups for hot drinks
feathery quilts to snuggle up in
jars of colourful buttons
and posies of flowers in pots and jugs”
This reminded me of so many friends and the way they fill their homes with warmth and beauty. To share this with a child is like sharing an ideal of a warm and cosy home, while reminding them that things we cherish aren’t necessarily the big and expensive.
As soon as we finished reading it (well, around the time my son was insisting we read it again), I knew I wanted to share this little gem of a book with other people. With the friends who create little nests for their families, for my mother in law who would just fall absolutely in love with the chickens, with my mother who would fall in love with the art throughout and with other children who’d just like to step into such a beautiful world.
This would also be a wonderful book to use in the classroom when talking about settings and feelings of a story. I think there could also be a particularly interesting conversation about books and stories without plots and of course it would be brilliant for a quiet readaloud during a hectic day.
Thankfully, a month or so ago, I did find both the books at my local Target (of all places) and my son then pulled them out of one of my many ‘to read’ piles and insisted on them. So we cuddled together on the couch and were introduced to the lovely world of Ruby (and her Red Shoes)
There’s really no plot to this book. Instead it’s an extended introduction to Ruby and her world and the philosophy her grandmother is using to bring her up. Ruby is a white hare who lives in a beautiful caravan with her grandmother, who wants her to be an aware hare – to treat the feelings of others with great care. We learn about her garden and her Francophile chickens who prefer croissants and baguettes to breadcrumbs and cheat at passionfruit soccer.
This is an incredibly calming book. The illustrations are soft and pretty with lots of gentle curves and the text is full of comforting words and phrases like ‘warm and cosy’ and ‘places to drift off and snooze’. My particular favourite paragraph talks about the caravan Ruby and her grandmother share and how it’s full of things they love:
“There are generous teacups for hot drinks
feathery quilts to snuggle up in
jars of colourful buttons
and posies of flowers in pots and jugs”
This reminded me of so many friends and the way they fill their homes with warmth and beauty. To share this with a child is like sharing an ideal of a warm and cosy home, while reminding them that things we cherish aren’t necessarily the big and expensive.
As soon as we finished reading it (well, around the time my son was insisting we read it again), I knew I wanted to share this little gem of a book with other people. With the friends who create little nests for their families, for my mother in law who would just fall absolutely in love with the chickens, with my mother who would fall in love with the art throughout and with other children who’d just like to step into such a beautiful world.
This would also be a wonderful book to use in the classroom when talking about settings and feelings of a story. I think there could also be a particularly interesting conversation about books and stories without plots and of course it would be brilliant for a quiet readaloud during a hectic day.
February 21, 2020
The artwork in this book is very charming, and I would love to have it on a set of notecards or bed sheets or wrapping paper. What does not charm me is the message of the story, which seems to be that children are fragile and must be treated delicately and indulge in "self-care" all day long. I wouldn't let my girls anywhere near this book because it's just too sweet and lacks meaningful conflict. It's the kind of thing that certain adults will love, but which is too saccharine for actual kids to enjoy.
September 21, 2023
I absolutely love this book!
I love the messages of love and wellbeing.
I love the images that show the beauty of life.
I love the characters, as they pull on your heartstrings and show us that our connection with others is what life is all about.
I am looking forward to completing my Ruby Red Shoes collection for sharing with all the special people visiting my library shelves.
I love the messages of love and wellbeing.
I love the images that show the beauty of life.
I love the characters, as they pull on your heartstrings and show us that our connection with others is what life is all about.
I am looking forward to completing my Ruby Red Shoes collection for sharing with all the special people visiting my library shelves.
September 18, 2024
Sweet story. Beautiful pictures.
March 16, 2025
I have absolutely no idea how this got into my bookshelf, but it is very sweet, and the illustrations full of whimsy.
July 2, 2020
Ruby Red Shoes : A Very Aware Hare by Kate Knapp 48 pages. PICTURE BOOK Doubleday, (Penguin Random House), 2018, $10. 9780593123461
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Ruby Red Shoes is a hare who lives with her grandmother in a very colorful caravan, she cares for animals, loves the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in the garden and all the cozy things about her world.
Kate Knapp's illustrations are so cute! Every page is visually enchanting, Ruby is so sweet and the whimsical illustrations are fun. The story falls short, with just an explanation of all the stuff she does, perhaps some conflict?
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Ruby Red Shoes is a hare who lives with her grandmother in a very colorful caravan, she cares for animals, loves the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in the garden and all the cozy things about her world.
Kate Knapp's illustrations are so cute! Every page is visually enchanting, Ruby is so sweet and the whimsical illustrations are fun. The story falls short, with just an explanation of all the stuff she does, perhaps some conflict?
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 3, 2016
I rather wish I was just like Ruby Red Shoes!
July 8, 2024
Not much happens, but the writing is charming, the illustrations are [chef's kiss], and my 5-year-old niece thinks it is one of the best books ever, so that's good enough for me.
April 25, 2023
"Ruby Red Shoes" by Kate Knapp is a delightful children's book that follows the adventures of a young rabbit named Ruby Red Shoes. The book is beautifully illustrated with charming watercolor images, and the story is written in a poetic and lyrical style that captures the imagination of young readers.
The main character, Ruby Red Shoes, is a young rabbit who lives in a quaint caravan with her grandmother, Babushka Galina Galushka. Ruby is a gentle and curious soul who appreciates the beauty of the world around her and finds joy in simple things like flowers, birds, and the changing seasons. She has a kind heart and a deep love for all creatures, big and small.
Throughout the book, Ruby embarks on various adventures, from exploring the woods to helping her animal friends. She is always kind and compassionate, and her interactions with other characters demonstrate important values such as empathy, respect, and kindness towards others. Ruby also has a special connection with nature, which is beautifully depicted in the illustrations and woven into the story, teaching young readers about the importance of environmental stewardship.
One of the strengths of "Ruby Red Shoes" is its gentle and positive tone. The book promotes values of mindfulness, mindfulness, and kindness, encouraging children to appreciate the beauty of the world around them and to treat others with compassion and respect. It also encourages children to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature and the world, fostering a love for the outdoors and a connection with the environment.
The illustrations in "Ruby Red Shoes" are a true highlight of the book. Kate Knapp's watercolor illustrations are exquisitely detailed and capture the innocence and charm of Ruby and her world. The images are filled with soft colors, intricate details, and whimsical touches that bring the story to life and make it visually appealing to young readers.
The writing style of "Ruby Red Shoes" is also noteworthy. Kate Knapp's prose is poetic and lyrical, with a gentle rhythm that flows beautifully throughout the book. The language is simple and accessible, making it suitable for young readers, while also conveying important messages about empathy, kindness, and the appreciation of nature.
Overall, "Ruby Red Shoes" by Kate Knapp is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that promotes important values such as kindness, compassion, and environmental awareness. It is a delightful read for young readers and a book that parents and caregivers can feel good about sharing with their children. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, "Ruby Red Shoes" is a treasure that will captivate young hearts and minds.
The main character, Ruby Red Shoes, is a young rabbit who lives in a quaint caravan with her grandmother, Babushka Galina Galushka. Ruby is a gentle and curious soul who appreciates the beauty of the world around her and finds joy in simple things like flowers, birds, and the changing seasons. She has a kind heart and a deep love for all creatures, big and small.
Throughout the book, Ruby embarks on various adventures, from exploring the woods to helping her animal friends. She is always kind and compassionate, and her interactions with other characters demonstrate important values such as empathy, respect, and kindness towards others. Ruby also has a special connection with nature, which is beautifully depicted in the illustrations and woven into the story, teaching young readers about the importance of environmental stewardship.
One of the strengths of "Ruby Red Shoes" is its gentle and positive tone. The book promotes values of mindfulness, mindfulness, and kindness, encouraging children to appreciate the beauty of the world around them and to treat others with compassion and respect. It also encourages children to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature and the world, fostering a love for the outdoors and a connection with the environment.
The illustrations in "Ruby Red Shoes" are a true highlight of the book. Kate Knapp's watercolor illustrations are exquisitely detailed and capture the innocence and charm of Ruby and her world. The images are filled with soft colors, intricate details, and whimsical touches that bring the story to life and make it visually appealing to young readers.
The writing style of "Ruby Red Shoes" is also noteworthy. Kate Knapp's prose is poetic and lyrical, with a gentle rhythm that flows beautifully throughout the book. The language is simple and accessible, making it suitable for young readers, while also conveying important messages about empathy, kindness, and the appreciation of nature.
Overall, "Ruby Red Shoes" by Kate Knapp is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that promotes important values such as kindness, compassion, and environmental awareness. It is a delightful read for young readers and a book that parents and caregivers can feel good about sharing with their children. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, "Ruby Red Shoes" is a treasure that will captivate young hearts and minds.
October 12, 2020
This is the first book in an Australian series about a rabbit named Ruby Red Shoes. Ruby lives with her grandmother and when she was born her feet were cold, so Grandma knitted her red booties. Now that she is older, she always wears red shoes and she has many choices. The rest of the story introduces us to Grandma, the friends who come to call, and the things Ruby likes to do like garden, take naps, and watch the stars with Grandma.
The concept, art, and design of the book all work together well to create a charming introduction to the series. The book is not plot driven, but Ruby’s life is interesting and children who are into details will love pouring over the sweet illustrations. It would be interesting to see if future stories have more of a single-story arc to them. The book would be fine as a lap read for a preschool child and emerging readers would be fine exploring this one their own. The small case size would make the artwork harder to be appreciated in a class or story time setting. The illustrations deserve to be examined up close.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
The concept, art, and design of the book all work together well to create a charming introduction to the series. The book is not plot driven, but Ruby’s life is interesting and children who are into details will love pouring over the sweet illustrations. It would be interesting to see if future stories have more of a single-story arc to them. The book would be fine as a lap read for a preschool child and emerging readers would be fine exploring this one their own. The small case size would make the artwork harder to be appreciated in a class or story time setting. The illustrations deserve to be examined up close.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
January 23, 2020
The illustrations are adorable. I want to hang them on my walls or send them on darling cards to all of my friends. The words are also lovely. They do not however convey enough of a story for me. I enjoy a quiet story, even one without a clear cut plot, but this meanders without purpose a bit to much for me. I believe this is intended to serve as an introduction to Ruby and her world. That’s the way it reads. Her world is one I definitely want to spend time in and there were pieces of this that made me want to know more. Why does she live with her grandma? Where does she go on her tub adventures? Tell me more about those curious chickens! My hope is that the further books in this series delve more into a specific part of Ruby or her world. That paired with the author’s lyrical style and lovely illustrations would be perfection.
May 27, 2017
This book is perfect for my 4-year-old daughter, a sensitive petal who finds any kind of conflict stressful and likes to hear about everything being happy and lovely. But I actually really like it too. It is full of good things that I like, described with joy and interesting adjectives. Sweet, happy mint! Brightly-painted caravans! Generous tea cups! Jazzy chickens! And the pictures are super cute.
May 17, 2020
This isn't so much a story, but some endearing musings from a self-proclaimed "aware hare", Ruby Red Shoes. Really, this is all about the illustrations, they are absolutely adorable. Reading about Ruby and her sweet, idyllic life feels like the literary equivalent of comfort food. Plus, her grandmother's name is Babushka Galina Galushka which is so much fun to say, I would delight every time it showed up on the page.
July 19, 2020
Beautfiully written story of the life of a rabbit whose love of red shoes is just one of many things she celebrates in the world in which she lives. It is a story of a character that shows kindness and respect to others. It shows a character finding joy in the world that surrounds her. Good mentor text for writing showing powerful word choice and phrasing in using fairly minimal text to present a positive character and her life.
February 19, 2021
A very quaint read. There isn't a plot or storyline. It's mostly a bunch of sentences about Ruby Red Shoes' life and what she sees and how she spends her days. Possibly good for mindfulness and calm, and so probably also good for a quick bedtime story. The artwork is quite cute (especially when the main character is teaching the chickens French), but otherwise there is nothing super outstanding about this book. (Note to author: I wouldn't mind another book about chickens who go to France)
July 9, 2019
This is a beautiful little book. Ruby has the best life living with her grandma in a caravan, tending to her garden and teaching her chickens french. The illustrations a so lovely and there are so many small detail in each page to explore. This book is perfect to pick up and read on a day you're feeling a little down. You can't help but smile when reading this book.
August 14, 2017
This was a short and sweet book. I loved how it told about everything that Ruby liked and what her most cherished place was, her garden. Ruby teaches her chickens to speak French and she sings to her plants. She grows flowers, vegetables, fruit and herbs.
September 11, 2020
The text was take it or leave it, but the art was absolutely incredible. I was so amazed by the sheer amount of work and care and detail put into every page. It was enchanting. It was a feast for the eyes.
For the art I would give 5 stars, for the text 3 stars.
For the art I would give 5 stars, for the text 3 stars.
October 1, 2020
Shew, this is the coziest book I've read all year! I'd love to live in a caravan with my bunny grandmother and enjoy the veggies from my elaborate garden, following by sinking into that delightfully pink bathtub. Yes please, give me that!
May 5, 2023
Utterly adorable. This is a lovely example of the type of story and illustrations that made me fall in love with picture books again as and adult and makes me happy I can still convince my youngest to read them with me :-)
June 20, 2025
The illustrations were very pretty, but there was no plot. We don't know why Ruby lives with her grandmother instead of her parents. There's no problem or resolution. It's just "Ruby does this." "Ruby does that."
May 13, 2017
Very cute Australian book. Lovely illustrations. Adorable story about a bunny and her Grandma.
August 13, 2018
Gorgeous illustrations. Thanks, Becky 😊xx
August 8, 2020
Beautiful illustrations and story.
December 7, 2020
Very sweetly illustrated
January 12, 2022
This is such a cute little book, I love the illustrations in it!
October 9, 2022
Three stars for the story but 5 stars for the illustrations! I’d like to purchase some prints!
March 22, 2023
Süße und kuschelige Geschichte
July 8, 2023
If "cottage core" were a picture book. Very cozy indeed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews