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Ruby's Sword
Ruby is always racing after her big brothers. But no matter how hard she tries, she can never catch up. Then one day, she discovers some sticks in the grass. Not just any sticks—swords! And suddenly the world is her kingdom. Readers will cheer on Ruby's perseverance and creativity as they delight in the antics of the adorable animals that join her along the way. Anyone who has ever imagined themselves the star of their own swashbuckling adventure will find this sweet book irresistible.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2019
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129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 7, 2019
Rumbling clouds grumbled.
And that's why I can't recommend this book. Aside from there not being much character development beyond "left-out little sister", this book promotes dangerous behaviour. Not only are the kids running around with pointy sticks, but they then use them as lightning rods.
See, Ruby wants to play with her brothers, but they're bigger and faster and run away from her (with a misplaced modifier in the very first sentence that did not bode well for the rest of the book). When she realizes she's on her own, she does her own thing... and finds three sword-like sticks lying in the grass. She shares them with her brothers, hoping they'll play with her, but the sexist little jerks just play with each other. So Ruby goes off on her own and finds stuff to do with her own "sword". Eventually, a storm blows up (complete with thunder and--presumably--lightning) so Ruby uses her sword and a sheet that blew off the laundry line to make a tent. When her brothers see what she's doing, they want to help. So they use their sticks, and they build a "shelter" which is basically three lightning rods supporting a saggy sheet.
Nope. Can't recommend this one. The safety implications are too grave. Had it just been a rainstorm, I could've gotten on board with it. But the mention of thunder just makes the kids' actions too dangerous. (For a better book about dealing with thunderstorms, try Franklin and the Thunderstorm by Paulette Bourgeois.)
The illustrations in Ruby's Sword are cute, though. At times they reminded me a little of Gyo Fujikawa's work. Have a look at this one for the pictures... but if you give it to a child, you may need to have a talk about outdoor safety.
And that's why I can't recommend this book. Aside from there not being much character development beyond "left-out little sister", this book promotes dangerous behaviour. Not only are the kids running around with pointy sticks, but they then use them as lightning rods.
See, Ruby wants to play with her brothers, but they're bigger and faster and run away from her (with a misplaced modifier in the very first sentence that did not bode well for the rest of the book). When she realizes she's on her own, she does her own thing... and finds three sword-like sticks lying in the grass. She shares them with her brothers, hoping they'll play with her, but the sexist little jerks just play with each other. So Ruby goes off on her own and finds stuff to do with her own "sword". Eventually, a storm blows up (complete with thunder and--presumably--lightning) so Ruby uses her sword and a sheet that blew off the laundry line to make a tent. When her brothers see what she's doing, they want to help. So they use their sticks, and they build a "shelter" which is basically three lightning rods supporting a saggy sheet.
Nope. Can't recommend this one. The safety implications are too grave. Had it just been a rainstorm, I could've gotten on board with it. But the mention of thunder just makes the kids' actions too dangerous. (For a better book about dealing with thunderstorms, try Franklin and the Thunderstorm by Paulette Bourgeois.)
The illustrations in Ruby's Sword are cute, though. At times they reminded me a little of Gyo Fujikawa's work. Have a look at this one for the pictures... but if you give it to a child, you may need to have a talk about outdoor safety.
August 1, 2019
Brought back such wonderful memories - the fencer in me was happy to read this!
August 11, 2019
Ruby raced through a sea of summer grass after her brothers, their long legs leaping ahead. "Wait up!" she called out. But only their laughter trailed behind, like the tail of a kite just out of reach.
On review is the dynamic and buoyant picture book Ruby's Sword by photographer-producer-author Jacqueline Véissid (Caspian Finds a Friend) and illustrator Paola Zakimi (Secrets I Know by Kallie George). Ruby seems to be forever chasing after her big brothers, asking them to slow down and wait for her. But one gloriously sunny and summery day, Ruby decides to pause, and as she lies back on the grass, she discovers wooden swords in the grass! Ruby picks up one of the magical, marvelous swords and faces "a fearsome dragon" in the sky, swishing, lunging and swooshing, all the while feeling "invincible". In the excitement, Ruby rushes off to share the other two swords with her brothers, who unfortunately end up leaving Ruby out of their own fun! As Ruby marches off, she decides to continue with her own fun and imaginative play, working on her fantastic swordsmanship as wind, clouds and rain attack. Ruby's Sword allows for a sweet reconciliation between Ruby and her brothers, culminating in them all building something "magnificent" together. A bright and innovative story- story and art are so gorgeously matched here!- that speaks to the delight of imagination, play, problem-solving and sibling togetherness, Ruby's Sword is a terrific read.
I received copy of this title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
On review is the dynamic and buoyant picture book Ruby's Sword by photographer-producer-author Jacqueline Véissid (Caspian Finds a Friend) and illustrator Paola Zakimi (Secrets I Know by Kallie George). Ruby seems to be forever chasing after her big brothers, asking them to slow down and wait for her. But one gloriously sunny and summery day, Ruby decides to pause, and as she lies back on the grass, she discovers wooden swords in the grass! Ruby picks up one of the magical, marvelous swords and faces "a fearsome dragon" in the sky, swishing, lunging and swooshing, all the while feeling "invincible". In the excitement, Ruby rushes off to share the other two swords with her brothers, who unfortunately end up leaving Ruby out of their own fun! As Ruby marches off, she decides to continue with her own fun and imaginative play, working on her fantastic swordsmanship as wind, clouds and rain attack. Ruby's Sword allows for a sweet reconciliation between Ruby and her brothers, culminating in them all building something "magnificent" together. A bright and innovative story- story and art are so gorgeously matched here!- that speaks to the delight of imagination, play, problem-solving and sibling togetherness, Ruby's Sword is a terrific read.
I received copy of this title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
September 1, 2021
This is so cute, it's perfect for kids❤ The illustrations are truly beautiful
June 29, 2019
Ruby's big brothers always go off to play, leaving Ruby chasing behind calling "Wait for me!" or "My turn!" Then Ruby finds some "swords" in the ground and uses them to help her loyal subjects (ants) cross a creek and swipe a feast (apples) from a tree. When her brothers see her using her sword to build a castle, they add their swords and other offerings to build a wonderful castle together.
The illustrations are really wonderful!
The illustrations are really wonderful!
March 30, 2019
Many younger siblings will be able to relate to this book. While Ruby would love to be included in her older brothers' games, they almost always leave her behind. When that happens yet again, Ruby wanders off by herself and discovers three sticks that are ideally suited to be swords. She generously gives two of them to her brothers, thinking that they will include her in some sword-fighting. When they don't, Ruby goes her own way and entertains herself and imagines that this is her own kingdom. Eventually, her brothers are drawn to join her as she fashions a castle from a sheet and sticks. The messages of self-empowerment, creativity, and imagination are clear in this picture book whose illustrations were created with watercolor, pencil and digital techniques. Readers will want to cheer Ruby on and smile at the ending as she finds quite a few loyal subjects interested in joining in her fun.
May 18, 2019
I thought I'd like this book best for it's imagination theme, but I ended up liking it best for the sibling relationship! Warm fuzzies. The little sister finds "swords" for her and her brothers to play with. When they ignore her and play with each other, she finds her own ways to be creative, and ends up building a fort that joins them all together. I love books that make me want to go play outside. Awesome.
July 10, 2019
Ruby’s brothers consider her a pest and always leave her behind. One day, Ruby finds three “swords” (long sticks hidden in the grass), gives two of them to her brothers so they will “swashbuckle” with her, and, after they run off without her, uses her imagination to fight a dragon, have a royal feast, and save loyal subjects all on her own. When she begins building a castle with sticks and a sheet, her brothers return with “honorable offerings” (twigs, rocks, dandelions, their swords), and together they build a magnificent castle perfect for three noble knights. Argentinian illustrator Paola Zakimi’s illustrations, rendered in watercolor, pencils, and digitally, capture the challenges and sweetness of sibling relationships in author Jacqueline Véissid’s first book.
June 28, 2019
Loved this picture book! The story is really cute and I loved the illustrations.
June 22, 2019
A perfect book for any younger sibling who has felt left out. Very cute illustrations and a sweet imaginative story.
April 23, 2019
Neither age nor size could keep Ruby’s spirit down. This strong female is an adventurous, imaginative, thoughtful, and forgiving leader. The sweet and simple narrative describes a familiar dynamic that most any child with siblings can relate with. Lyrical text draws in readers, while whimsical watercolors depict the magic of summer.
Reviewer #4
Reviewer #4
January 18, 2019
Lovely charming illustrations full of details and color. I love the story of the left-behind little sister who makes her own fun!
April 27, 2019
Ruby wants to keep up with their brother and finds a way to get their attention when they discover some sticks/swords.
May 27, 2019
Big brothers aren't paying much attention to Ruby but her imagination keeps her company until they decide to all play together.
June 9, 2019
Loved it!
August 5, 2020
Debut author Véissid offers an adventure with a young girl and her "sword".
Ruby tries to tag along with her two older brothers as they go outside to play. However, they leave her behind, and she stumbles upon three perfect sticks/swords. Her imagination takes her "fighting" an imaginary dragon with her new sword. She offers the other two swords to her brothers to join in, but they ignore her and sword fight with each other. Ruby entertains herself by doing other things, until she uses her sword to build a "fort". When they see this, her brothers make a peace-offering and the three siblings play nicely together.
Véissid tells a sweet slice of life story of three siblings and how they resolve their differences. Illustrations by Paola Zakimi were rendered in watercolor, pencils, and digitally manipulated. They are lively, and well-conceived.
Recommended title to fill a request for conflict resolution with siblings or examples of keeping oneself busy by using your imagination. For grades PreSchool-3,
Ruby tries to tag along with her two older brothers as they go outside to play. However, they leave her behind, and she stumbles upon three perfect sticks/swords. Her imagination takes her "fighting" an imaginary dragon with her new sword. She offers the other two swords to her brothers to join in, but they ignore her and sword fight with each other. Ruby entertains herself by doing other things, until she uses her sword to build a "fort". When they see this, her brothers make a peace-offering and the three siblings play nicely together.
Véissid tells a sweet slice of life story of three siblings and how they resolve their differences. Illustrations by Paola Zakimi were rendered in watercolor, pencils, and digitally manipulated. They are lively, and well-conceived.
Recommended title to fill a request for conflict resolution with siblings or examples of keeping oneself busy by using your imagination. For grades PreSchool-3,
April 7, 2021
Ruby and her brothers are outside playing. Ruby finds some perfect stick swords and bequeaths two to her brothers, though they'd much rather play with each other than her. Ruby comes up with her own fun, and eventually her brothers join in.
This is a lovely story of siblings, outdoor play, the toys that nature provides, and the fun that imagination can launch. This brought back memories of playing outside with sticks, flowers, and whatever else was fair game in the back yard. It is a good reminder to kids that fun can be had with just your imagination and simple things, and fancy gadgets aren't needed. There's a little hint that the siblings have a small disagreement but then make up. I love the illustrations and how the animals are joining in on Ruby's fun. A timeless story of imagination and sibling fun. Highly recommended.
This is a lovely story of siblings, outdoor play, the toys that nature provides, and the fun that imagination can launch. This brought back memories of playing outside with sticks, flowers, and whatever else was fair game in the back yard. It is a good reminder to kids that fun can be had with just your imagination and simple things, and fancy gadgets aren't needed. There's a little hint that the siblings have a small disagreement but then make up. I love the illustrations and how the animals are joining in on Ruby's fun. A timeless story of imagination and sibling fun. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2023
Something irks me about the way in which the story unfolds. See, Ruby is the younger sibling and her two older brothers ignore her and do not want to play with her. However, when she discovers some wooden swords, engages in reckless behavior (fights off a storm with the sticks), then the two decide to join her. I don't know what type of message this sends to young girls... Do they have to act recklessly to be noticed by boys? Do they have to simply accept their attention whenever they want to give it and be glad for it? I am inclined to say no, so I think this book is not helpful in dealing with the dynamics of siblinghood.
July 7, 2019
Ruby wants her brothers to include her, but they quickly move away. Ruby has her imagination to keep her company, however. She finds the perfect swords for fighting fearsome dragons and runs to catch up with her brothers. But even when she hands them their swords, they still won’t play with her. And she has so much fun on her own, that it brings her brothers over to take a look.
Younger siblings will relate to Ruby. Students will love to point out all the fun stuff that the animals (loyal subjects) are doing in the illustrations. Cute.
Younger siblings will relate to Ruby. Students will love to point out all the fun stuff that the animals (loyal subjects) are doing in the illustrations. Cute.
December 26, 2019
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Family: Sister of two brothers
Nature: Playing outside
After being left behind by her brothers, fierce and creative Ruby finds her own fun through the power of her imagination and a pile of sticks. Eventually her brothers become interested in Ruby's play and provide some natural offerings to contribute to Ruby's new castle.
The setting never leaves the natural flowing grasses and bounty of the open field, highlighting the beauty of natural play for young, imaginative minds.
Family: Sister of two brothers
Nature: Playing outside
After being left behind by her brothers, fierce and creative Ruby finds her own fun through the power of her imagination and a pile of sticks. Eventually her brothers become interested in Ruby's play and provide some natural offerings to contribute to Ruby's new castle.
The setting never leaves the natural flowing grasses and bounty of the open field, highlighting the beauty of natural play for young, imaginative minds.
April 23, 2021
Ruby is the youngest sister of two older brothers. She starts off trying to keep up and play with them, but as often happens to the youngest sib, she gets left behind. But Ruby's fun is not thwarted as she's able to find a stick and her imagination turns it into a sword that leads her to even more fun outdoor adventures in which her brothers ultimately join in. I enjoyed how Rosy and her brothers play outside and let their imaginations take the lead. I also appreciated the realistic sibling dynamics.
April 9, 2021
Ruby's brothers leave her behind as they all run out to play on a summer day. But Ruby's active imagination soon draws her brother's back to play with her when they see how much fun she is having.
A wonderful book that models imaginative outdoor play. Great for children who need to unplug and get outdoors.
Both the sibling aspect and the imagination/ outdoor play made me nostalgic for my own childhood which was full of days like this one.
A wonderful book that models imaginative outdoor play. Great for children who need to unplug and get outdoors.
Both the sibling aspect and the imagination/ outdoor play made me nostalgic for my own childhood which was full of days like this one.
October 2, 2023
Ruby's sword is about an outdoor adventure she has with her two brothers when she discovers wood sticks that become whimsical swords. I loved the creative sub-story the author provided in how Ruby uses her sword to faceoff with a dragon, decorate dirt, help a troop of ants, and build a fort. This story truly gives a peek into the imagination of a child. Loved it.
February 21, 2020
A girl’s imagination transforms sticks into swords and a whole lot more, enlisting her big brothers to join in the fun. Colorful, full-page digital, pencil, and watercolor illustrations dramatize the action.
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September 15, 2020 A great book about a girl making her own fun after her older brothers ignore her -- hits very close to home for me! Ruby is imaginative, tough and independent (and completely adorable). Beautiful illustrations of the natural world and a happy ending for all. Yes!
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November 28, 2022Charming illustrations of a little girl being wild, carefree and imaginative in nature. Even when ignored by her big brothers, Ruby is adventurous and plucky, playing with stick swords and creating her own worlds.
November 23, 2025
Ruby finds a stick in a field while playing with her brothers. She uses her imagination to create different scenarios as if she was a queen, slaying dragons, all while using her stick as a sword. Great for imagination text set
July 9, 2019
Two for the story, four for the illustrations, so settled on a three star review.
July 29, 2019
A sweet look at imagination and sibling-hood. Lovely illustrations.
September 4, 2019
One can do quite a lot with a stick and imagination
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews