Lucky Ruby: An Interfaith Holiday Book

by Laura Lee Rittman, Cennet Kapkac (illustrator)

"Lucky Ruby" is about a little girl who is being raised interfaith. Her Dad is Jewish and her Mom is Christian. They love to celebrate BOTH Hanukkah and Christmas in their home! When Ruby decides to invite her classmate Violet over for her family holiday party, Violet thinks it's weird that they celebrate both faiths.

After Violet gets to see how special the holidays are for Ruby, she begins to realize how lucky Ruby is. A great read for children to understand and learn to respect on how all families celebrate their traditions but that the common thread is family and love! Great read for children ages 3-7.

Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Rita Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a BEAUTIFUL book about a LUCKY child from an interfaith marriage who gets to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas! Ruby is feeling unsure of herself after she invites a friend to celebrate the holidays with her family. This is a truly delightful story that is beautifully written, with gorgeous illustrations! A definite MUST HAVE on every child’s bookshelf!

[Cate Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet. As I was reading it I teared up thinking about being a little girl. I pictured my children growing up and navigating the world. Laura Lee shows how sweet Ruby and her family can celebrate being “different” and accept those who have questions with open arms and kindness. What I great story for everyone!

[Mylinda Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Lucky Ruby, a delightful children's book that beautifully weaves together the traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas, showing how one family celebrates both holidays. I really enjoyed it, and I think it's a wonderful resource for young readers. The story not only introduces kids to the joy and meaning behind each celebration but also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different faiths and customs.

Ruby's family makes both holidays special in their own way, and the book offers a great way for children to see that families can honor diverse traditions and beliefs while creating their own unique memories. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, and the storyline is heartwarming.

I would definitely recommend Lucky Ruby to families looking to teach their kids about diversity, inclusion, and the beauty of celebrating multiple holidays. It’s a fun and educational read that can help broaden a child's understanding of how other people celebrate and cherish their own customs. I adore the family from the book including their dog Little Bear. This book makes me want to join the family!

[Janna Jonckheere kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. A truly touching and charming story about a young girl named Ruby growing up in an interfaith family that celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah and how she teaches others about her traditions. This book celebrates diversity and family. I enjoyed the storyline and how Ruby helps her friend understand that you CAN celebrate both holidays. This delightful book gives insight into how these holidays can bring a family together to share love, laughter and fun while celebrating tradition. The author Laura Rittman wrote this book in a very clear and simple language that will be easy for any young reader to grasp. Growing up as a Christian, I have to admit that I was fascinated at getting a glimpse into the Jewish traditions and I personally learned a lot from this book. I particularly liked that Laura ends up with a recipe for Latkes that looks absolutely amazing. This book is sensitive, creative, beautiful and educating.

I read an early review copy from this publisher, but I can honestly recommend this book for any child who celebrates both holidays or for friends of an interfaith child to help them understanding both customs.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is incredibly relatable for everyone, no matter their background or beliefs. When Ruby's mom embraced her and said, "We’ll just have to show her how lucky it is to celebrate both," it truly melted my heart. As moms, we deeply feel our children's struggles and will do anything to ease their pain. In that moment, I felt a profound connection to Ruby's family and journey.

Laura Lee Rittman beautifully illustrates how Ruby and her family joyfully celebrate their uniqueness while embracing those who may have questions with warmth and kindness. It’s a wonderful narrative for all readers!

"Lucky Ruby" is a stunning tale about a delightful child from an interfaith family who gets to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to families eager to teach their children about diversity, inclusion, and the joy of celebrating multiple holidays.

[Michelle Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend adding "Lucky Ruby" to your Christmas list or as a "Must have" for any little ones in your life. This book does an amazing job of combining the special holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas into a sweet story that children of all ages will be able to relate to. As a teacher of middle school students, I love the way "Lucky Ruby" draws readers in with a fun family setting that delivers a positive message of learning the importance of accepting different beliefs. It's very well-written and full of excitement! The author's love for family and diversity shines through with every word, and you won't want to miss your chance to share in this experience.
Shelly Moon

[Ruby Rittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming holiday book that I feel deserves a spot in every home with children. It shows kids that not only is it okay to be different, but also that it's a good thing- it makes them unique (or in this case, "Lucky"!) I feel it's crucial to expose children to other traditions and religions to give them a worldly view early on in life; this warmly illustrated picture book does a beautiful job of doing that. I highly recommend gifting this to anyone who has children this holiday season!

[Ann Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard two copies of this book for my grandchildren! I cannot wait to read it to them. I want it to be one of those stories that they read during the holidays every year. This book shares a story of little ruby and how she learns how to share and enjoy two amazing traditions with our family and friends. Makes me wanna go and share this time with ruby’s family! Drawings are so cute in the writing has humor and warm loving them. This is a must have as a gift for the holidays!

[Karl Pohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of a girl and her parents from two different religions that come together to share all the wonderful holiday traditions of each others faith. A family that makes it work and “Lucky Ruby” is truly one lucky girl.
This beautifully illustrated book would be a great choice for any other families that have a similar interfaith family dynamic. Lucky Ruby is a great example of enjoying all that Hanukkah and Christmas has to offer.

[Jay Rittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled at my heart strings because I was raised interfaith and nothing like this existed when i was young. Now that I'm raising my own family interfaith this is a perfect holiday read to show the importance of acceptance, family and friendship. I give it 5 stars and hope she writes more interfaith stories

[Fiona Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Lucky Ruby' is a beautiful book about a little girl who is raised interfaith. Ruby is worried that her friends think it's unusual to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. What will happen when her friend Violet comes to her house to join in with the celebrations?
A 'must read' for young children age 3-7

[Erin Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read embracing interwoven celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah.

The author did an excellent job of portraying a home balancing two faith traditions while navigating the main character’s initial self-conscious attitude in front of her peers.

Colorful illustrations dazzle the pages and I invite you to add this to your book shelf for the holiday season or any day of the year!

[Yosef Orbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about Ruby, a girl from a Jewish - Christian family.
Ruby and her friend learn how wonderful it is to embrace all parts of your family. Together, they experience the joy of celebrating both Christmas and Hanukah with the family. The underlying theme is the real meaning of family - love!
It's a heart-warming holiday story.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story of Lucky Ruby. How wonderful to finally have a book sharing the joy of both Christmas and Hanukkah traditions. It’s ok to celebrate and love both holidays. The fun and love of this book shines through. Illustrations were warm and inviting. Really enjoyed reading this book.

[Cennet Kapkaç · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warmly story and makes you feel like one of these characters in this book while reading Lucky Ruby.I like how she is connecting with her family and respecting each other.A perfect holiday book not just for fun, even to learn and share it.

[Jean Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and written. The author shares their experience with the readers and allows us into their home. Displaying family traditions and how different faith families blend their holidays together. This book displays family and friendship.

[Kevin Germain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Interfaith Holiday Children's Book on Love!
This wonderfully illustrated book addresses a complex yet common life scenario about interfaith. The storyline demonstrates the simplicity of responding to questions about faith with love.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby is such a sweet and heartwarming book! The author has done a great job conveying the message of not only kindness and compassion between Ruby and her friend, but also the emphasis on tradition and family. I loved the recipe in the back! Adorable! 🥰

[Nicole Cieslak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved sharing these two different Holiday's and their traditions with my 5 year old. He was able to follow along and get excited about the story. The illustrations were adorable. Will be sharing this Book with others.

[Theresa Krejci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby is a delightful children’s book that takes readers on an enchanting journey through the eyes of a spirited young girl named Ruby. With vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming storyline, the book explores themes of friendship, family, and the holidays.

[Patrick Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby is such a beautiful interfaith story that cherishes our faiths in such a nice positive way. Perfect short story for our kids! Great illustrations!

[Linda Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The illustrations are absolutely adorable and the story is wonderful! It’s so nice to see the importance of family relationships and traditions!

[Lisa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby is such a sweet book with a wonderful message. Acceptance and respect of others despite our differences is a wonderful teaching moment for our children.

[Shannon Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book that embraces inclusion in multi faith families.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby…will melt your heartstrings

Lucky Ruby will bring tears to your eyes at the reminder of family traditions and how it is perfectly acceptable to celebrate holidays however you like. This coming-of-age story brings a warm welcome to those who celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah already and for interfaith couples who are planning their future with their children in mind. I cannot wait to read this to my children to remind them that they are unique and special to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. Additionally, you get a delicious treat at the end of the book that is timeless and easy to do to continue your own tradition at your holiday party.

This will remind children that the holiday magic still exists. The words are beautifully written from the heart and the author brings you right into that scene and time, as if you were invited to the party. Cannot wait to see what more is in store and to share this favorite with everyone I know.

[Katy Deering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, Lucky Ruby is an excellent choice for families who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas or for any child wanting to learn about different holiday traditions. The book delivers a heartwarming message about love, family, and inclusivity, making it a great addition to any holiday reading list. I’m excited to purchase this book for the little ones in my life. It beautifully emphasizes the importance of accepting different religions, with captivating illustrations that are sure to engage and delight.

[Madison Caputi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, refreshing story! Laura Lee Rittman left her heart on the pages of this inclusive, educational and empathetic children’s book.
I’ll admit that I learned some things about the Jewish culture and Hanukkah. But most importantly, what a wonderful message to young readers to have respect for one another’s families and traditions. Ruby’s wonderful family does such a fabulous job of making Violet feel comfortable and accepted. They educate her, laugh with her and do not push her past her comfort zone. Wow. What a wonderful world it would be if we all treated one another with such love and respect! This book has me itching for the holidays, and eager to learn more about traditions different from my own.

[Brooke Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby is the cutest story. Awesome to read with your children no matter what religion you believe in! This story has the most adorable illustrations and is exactly what a children's book should be! I cannot recommend this book more! I will be reading it for years to come!

[Bibi Sofia Haq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this amazing and vibrant book with my daughter. The book is about a girl named Ruby who is raised in interfaith marriage.In this story,she is lucky as she gets to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. The story is well written with beautiful illustrations.The book highlights about both celebrations and traditions.

[Kirsten L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Ruby is a wonderful holiday book that can be enjoyed by anyone! It explores how different religions and special days can exist together and how we can learn from those differences. This is a great opportunity to start conversations of love and acceptance of others. Ruby really is lucky, and, so is anyone else who gets the joy of reading this book!