Ruby Maps Her World

by Jane Yolen, Dow Phumiruk (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Maps

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUBY MAPS HER WORLD by Jane Yolen and Dow Phumiruk is a charming introduction to the idea of mapping. Ruby wakes up buzzing with birthday excitement—not only is there a party later at her dad’s house, but today she gets to “map her world” for the very first time with her cartographer mom. Armed with fresh markers and a new journal, Ruby sets off to explore while her mom and their dog, Magellan, follow at a distance. As Ruby observes, sketches, and writes, her pages fill with lively details and discoveries. “A good show and tell is what Mama calls a map.” Yolen’s playful, energetic text pairs beautifully with Phumiruk’s vibrant, expressive illustrations, making this a delightful read‑aloud. Highly recommended!

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby's birthday occasions the making of her first very own map of her neighborhood. Her mother is a cartographer and accompanies her on her journey while letting Ruby make the map independently. At the end of the day, Ruby is picked up by her dad to attend a birthday party at his house. All around a nice slice-of-life story about a child with divorced/separated parents and an interest in map-making. Ruby and her family are Asian American.

Themes: Maps, Family, Birthday, Growing Up
Age range: Kindergarten-Early Elementary

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK book about a girl who is interested in map making like her mother. I don't think she really drew a map though. All she did was draw a line connecting their journey and what they saw. It would never be useful as a map because things were included that move like a bus and deer plus there's nothing to show where they are. But it is a good start for someone wanting to be a cartographer.

There was a glaring error in illustration on the page with the bus. The cross street had a stop light on it but the main street did not. Sounds extremely dangerous.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Ruby, a young girl who aspires to be a cartographer like her mother. She spends her day mapping her world, and readers are invited to follow along as she explores and documents her surroundings. It offers a gentle introduction to the concept of maps and the people who create them. The book concludes with helpful information for parents and teachers, suggesting ways to extend the learning, such as mapping children’s neighborhoods, exploring real maps, story mapping, and “heart mapping.”

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Jane Yolen's sweet, STEM-focused picture book introduces the concept of mapping. With illustrations by Dow Phumiruk, we see Ruby grab her Birthday journal and markers and head outside. I love how we get to see Ruby's drawings as she maps her way down the street, under the railroad bridge, as readers follow and discover maps help us tell our stories. I can see Teachers & Librarians having students MAP their own worlds after they read this book. What a fantastic extension!

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUBY MAPS HER WORLD by Jane Yolen and Dow Phumiruk follows a curious child who is excited to map the world around her. We join Ruby as she explores what it takes to be a cartographer. Observing, recording and drawing everything around her. Dow’s illustrations show details of how Ruby observes her world. A great read!

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love this book, especially the idea of walking around, noticing all the little details, and making sense of everyday spaces. It invites kids to slow down and look closer at the world around them. The illustrations are so warm and engaging, too. Lots to love with this book. Highly recommended.

[Susan Rose]

Since this is by Jane Yolen, there are things of note. Ruby is Asian American, so there is representation but it's matter of fact. Ruby's mom makes cartography cool, which is a huge plus. Also, Ruby's parents are divorced, so there's more matter of fact representation. Way to go, plus very cool subject matter. Maps are cool. So is Jane Yolen.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a book with maps and the premise here of mapping your own world is wonderful! Story does a wonderful job of showing positivity between divorced parents regarding their child and the good relationship she has with both of her parents. End pages and undercover include different mapping examples.

[Miss Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby wants to be a cartographer like her mother (A person that makes maps). For her birthday she gets a journal and markers to make her own map. Follow her through her day as she add things to her map.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ruby’s adventure into the neighborhood! It is clear near the end that her parents are divorced but are amicable.

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Jane Yolen book so far. Definitely going in my school library!