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Serendipity
Rhubarb
The ducks, sheep, and pigs all love to play with Rhubarb, the dog, but are reluctant to share her until a possum reminds them that friends can't be owned
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 6, 2019
Ruby has too many friends in this Serendipity story. How can she play with all of them? And why can't all her animal friends get along?
July 9, 2021
Stephen Cosgrove's Serendipity series has a niche all its own in the virtually endless field of children's literature; a tiny niche, but it's definitely there and belongs to no other book or series. The serene sincerity of these books is matchless, their emotion deep as a sweet-water well, and the combination of Stephen Cosgrove's writing and Robin James's artwork borders on perfection. The wisdom of the Serendipity books is so straightforward that preschoolers can readily grasp and assimilate it, but profound enough that it continues imparting lessons to readers in their teens and beyond. I wish the series would become a widespread staple of kid lit, for all would be better off to be touched by its compassionate influence, to have the shimmering rainbow refraction of these stories illuminate our lives, multifaceted light engulfing the darkness to reveal places in our hearts we weren't aware were there. Nothing projects that clean, clear light like a Serendipity fable.
Rickity-Tickity in the land of Serendipity is a normal farm, with traditional farm animals having the run of the place. Sheep, pigs, ducks, chickens, and cows roam without restriction. Rabbits and cats are free to come and go as they please. And a frisky, goodhearted puppy named Rhubarb (called Ruby) is the centerpiece, a bundle of energy always ready to play with the farm's myriad tenants. Ruby adapts to the chasing game favored by the ducks, dog running after fowl and vice versa; she plays tag with the sheep, tagging them "it" with little licks on their noses as they gambol through fields of purple clover. Ruby burrows in the mud with the pigs, searching for buried secrets that never are unearthed; the fun is all in the looking. No one is more popular around Rickity-Tickity than the seemingly indefatigable Ruby, who charges headfirst into a variety of fun experiences.
But that gentle jewel of a pup is caught in the middle one day when the ducks, sheep, and pigs converge simultaneously to rouse her from her nap in the shade to play. Ruby is rightfully theirs and belongs to none of the other animals, the ducks, sheep, and pigs each claim, quarreling over their prized playmate. When the tug-of-war turns physical, Ruby skedaddles, but her overzealous companions aren't ready to give up their games that easily. Ruby loves being with her friends, relishing the diversity of games they play, but she's being run ragged by their demands. It takes the chill perspective of an outsider to set things straight by defining the meaning of friendship for the animals of Rickity-Tickity, restoring to Ruby her peace and freedom, and teaching her playmates what it means to have and be a friend and the responsibilities that come with each end of the equation. Friendship at its core is sweet and simple, but there's no end to what we can learn about it to do better by our dear mates, if we're willing to listen with our hearts.
Ruby loves her life and leaps enthusiastically into interactions with her friends, joyfully engaging with every animal in Rickity-Tickity. By not limiting herself to one kind of animal or game, she's able to immerse herself in much more fun, a lesson we should carefully consider. If we're open to becoming passionate about our friends' interests, letting them show us why they love what they do, it inevitably draws us closer to them and makes us more interesting for the experience, flint sharpening flint. We make each other better, influences mingling to enhance both parties. But in a cherished friendship it can be hard to sense when to allow the other individual breathing room; we treasure them and feel deep down that they are ours, that it demonstrates what they mean to us when we fiercely express ownership over them. Of course, relationships aren't quite like that, as much as we feel they are, and it brings strife when we cling too tightly to the people we love, afraid to hold them with an open hand for fear someone may swoop in and snatch them out of our lives. It's natural to feel jealous over one we care for so intensely. But the possum who comes to Ruby's rescue addresses this well: "Ahh...but a friend doesn't belong to anyone. Friendship is not something you own. Friendship is something you share. To have a friend, you must be a friend. There is no other way." We feel that our friends belong to us and we take pride in that ownership, but in sooth their companionship is an offering of mutual benevolence, a gift they extend to us every day in the belief that we are worth giving themselves to as they accept the gift of ourselves that we venture in return. We cannot own our friends; we must have faith that the gift will be there again tomorrow for us to enjoy together, and by giving them their space to be alone when they need it, we validate their choice to gift us their friendship in the first place. It's not an easy lesson to learn, but it's essential if our friendships are to operate in good health and to everyone's satisfaction, as Ruby and the other denizens of Rickity-Tickity discover.
Stephen Cosgrove's books are winsome delights, and Rhubarb is up there with the best of the Serendipity series, from Glitterby Baby to Trafalgar True to Leo the Lop and beyond. I dare you to find a more charming story than Rhubarb or main character than Ruby, the sparkling jewel of the farmyard who earned her nickname because she is as rare and valuable as the correlating gem. Rhubarb is a wonderful book I'll treasure always, and I recommend it to all readers. You're going to love this one.
Rickity-Tickity in the land of Serendipity is a normal farm, with traditional farm animals having the run of the place. Sheep, pigs, ducks, chickens, and cows roam without restriction. Rabbits and cats are free to come and go as they please. And a frisky, goodhearted puppy named Rhubarb (called Ruby) is the centerpiece, a bundle of energy always ready to play with the farm's myriad tenants. Ruby adapts to the chasing game favored by the ducks, dog running after fowl and vice versa; she plays tag with the sheep, tagging them "it" with little licks on their noses as they gambol through fields of purple clover. Ruby burrows in the mud with the pigs, searching for buried secrets that never are unearthed; the fun is all in the looking. No one is more popular around Rickity-Tickity than the seemingly indefatigable Ruby, who charges headfirst into a variety of fun experiences.
But that gentle jewel of a pup is caught in the middle one day when the ducks, sheep, and pigs converge simultaneously to rouse her from her nap in the shade to play. Ruby is rightfully theirs and belongs to none of the other animals, the ducks, sheep, and pigs each claim, quarreling over their prized playmate. When the tug-of-war turns physical, Ruby skedaddles, but her overzealous companions aren't ready to give up their games that easily. Ruby loves being with her friends, relishing the diversity of games they play, but she's being run ragged by their demands. It takes the chill perspective of an outsider to set things straight by defining the meaning of friendship for the animals of Rickity-Tickity, restoring to Ruby her peace and freedom, and teaching her playmates what it means to have and be a friend and the responsibilities that come with each end of the equation. Friendship at its core is sweet and simple, but there's no end to what we can learn about it to do better by our dear mates, if we're willing to listen with our hearts.
Ruby loves her life and leaps enthusiastically into interactions with her friends, joyfully engaging with every animal in Rickity-Tickity. By not limiting herself to one kind of animal or game, she's able to immerse herself in much more fun, a lesson we should carefully consider. If we're open to becoming passionate about our friends' interests, letting them show us why they love what they do, it inevitably draws us closer to them and makes us more interesting for the experience, flint sharpening flint. We make each other better, influences mingling to enhance both parties. But in a cherished friendship it can be hard to sense when to allow the other individual breathing room; we treasure them and feel deep down that they are ours, that it demonstrates what they mean to us when we fiercely express ownership over them. Of course, relationships aren't quite like that, as much as we feel they are, and it brings strife when we cling too tightly to the people we love, afraid to hold them with an open hand for fear someone may swoop in and snatch them out of our lives. It's natural to feel jealous over one we care for so intensely. But the possum who comes to Ruby's rescue addresses this well: "Ahh...but a friend doesn't belong to anyone. Friendship is not something you own. Friendship is something you share. To have a friend, you must be a friend. There is no other way." We feel that our friends belong to us and we take pride in that ownership, but in sooth their companionship is an offering of mutual benevolence, a gift they extend to us every day in the belief that we are worth giving themselves to as they accept the gift of ourselves that we venture in return. We cannot own our friends; we must have faith that the gift will be there again tomorrow for us to enjoy together, and by giving them their space to be alone when they need it, we validate their choice to gift us their friendship in the first place. It's not an easy lesson to learn, but it's essential if our friendships are to operate in good health and to everyone's satisfaction, as Ruby and the other denizens of Rickity-Tickity discover.
Stephen Cosgrove's books are winsome delights, and Rhubarb is up there with the best of the Serendipity series, from Glitterby Baby to Trafalgar True to Leo the Lop and beyond. I dare you to find a more charming story than Rhubarb or main character than Ruby, the sparkling jewel of the farmyard who earned her nickname because she is as rare and valuable as the correlating gem. Rhubarb is a wonderful book I'll treasure always, and I recommend it to all readers. You're going to love this one.
September 30, 2025
I'm always the last to know, but today I discovered that Robin James died from ALS on March 6, 2024. Her full name was Robin Irene James-Williams. Her birthday was September 24, 1954. Her favorite animals to draw were horses and dogs, particularly Greyhounds. She even rescued Greyhounds. Although I don't think there was ever a Greyhound in the Serendipity books, there was a Jack Russell-ish terrier puppy named Rhubarb.
Rhubarb was based on author Stephen Cosgrove's dog Ruby, given the nickname Rhubarb. In the book, the puppy's name is Rhubarb, but her nickname is Ruby. She's not drawn in the overly cute way that the pigs and ducks are in this book. The most realistic animals portrayed in the book are the sheep.
This is the second book to feature Rhubarb. As a puppy, she becomes a crucial character in the 1986 book about a tripod cat, Fanny.
A wise possum appears, and I've got a feeling that he's a recurring character in the series. I think this is the same possum that gave Leo the Lop and his bunny friends wise council. Ruby meets the possum after climbing up a lilac bush. Despite popular misconception, dogs can climb.
The moral is one of the most practical in the Serendipity books that I've read so far (about 30.) Ruby is treated like a tug toy by her friends, which must've been painful. This is something that kids do, whether it's an animal or person.
You can find many Serendipity books at the Internet Archive.
Rhubarb was based on author Stephen Cosgrove's dog Ruby, given the nickname Rhubarb. In the book, the puppy's name is Rhubarb, but her nickname is Ruby. She's not drawn in the overly cute way that the pigs and ducks are in this book. The most realistic animals portrayed in the book are the sheep.
This is the second book to feature Rhubarb. As a puppy, she becomes a crucial character in the 1986 book about a tripod cat, Fanny.
A wise possum appears, and I've got a feeling that he's a recurring character in the series. I think this is the same possum that gave Leo the Lop and his bunny friends wise council. Ruby meets the possum after climbing up a lilac bush. Despite popular misconception, dogs can climb.
The moral is one of the most practical in the Serendipity books that I've read so far (about 30.) Ruby is treated like a tug toy by her friends, which must've been painful. This is something that kids do, whether it's an animal or person.
You can find many Serendipity books at the Internet Archive.
November 26, 2016
In this story a farm puppy name Rhubarb "Ruby" for short, everyone loved. She was so friendly and fun everyone always wanted to play with her. She always was happy and wanted others to be happy as well. She didn't like when others was upset, however one day she heard loud angry voices and it was because the farm animals were fighting over who was going to be playing WITH HER! So she climbed a tree as high as she could and a possum started talking to her. It wasn't until the possum helped the farm animals learn Mr Cosgrove's moral to this story then they all found happiness once and for all... and this one's moral was " To have a friend you must be a friend."
I was so surprised and happy to find Mr Cosgrove's books again! I loved these as a little girl. I would always seek them out from our school library (and matter of fact our librarian had to replace a few of the books because they had gotten so worn out after the seven years of elementary (Kg through 6th grade I would check them out) Now I'm finding them for my adult special needs son and my granddaughter and falling in love with them all over again!
April 29, 2012
A Serendipity story about a puppy named Rhubarb whose friends all want to play with him at the same time. This is one of the more complicated Serendipity stories, about sharing, friendship, drawing boundaries, and personal space. The story in this book could be a good launching point for any number of discussions about friends and other people with young children, as well as time management for slightly older children.
June 16, 2009
"Friendship is not something you own. Friendship is something you share. To have a friend, you must be a friend."
October 18, 2018
"but a friend doesn't belong to anyone. Friendship is not something you own. Friendship is something you share."
Books like Rhubarb are the reason I love Serendipity books so much. It a sweet story of friendship highlighted with the incredibly cute illustrations by Robin James. It's a classic story.
Books like Rhubarb are the reason I love Serendipity books so much. It a sweet story of friendship highlighted with the incredibly cute illustrations by Robin James. It's a classic story.
December 20, 2021
A nice moral about not owning friends, but way too wordy and long for a toddler. Paragraphs are too extensive for a young reader.
June 22, 2023
Loved all of the Serendipity books as a child. Beautiful artwork, sweet story, and a valuable lesson for kids and adults alike.
November 22, 2016
Good thing there are wise possums randomly hanging out in various trees.
Ruby, the dog, is everybody's friend on this farm in Serendipity land, but all of the other animals love her so much they don't give her any down time and fight with each other over who gets to hang out with her. As an introvert, I get Ruby's exhaustion so hard, but I don't think you have to be an introvert; you just have to have had situations where people are so intent on their own wants and schedules that they cease to factor in yours. I appreciate the lesson here that friends aren't things to be owned but people to be appreciated; "to have a friend you must be a friend," which includes backing off when your friend is tired or busy.
Ruby, the dog, is everybody's friend on this farm in Serendipity land, but all of the other animals love her so much they don't give her any down time and fight with each other over who gets to hang out with her. As an introvert, I get Ruby's exhaustion so hard, but I don't think you have to be an introvert; you just have to have had situations where people are so intent on their own wants and schedules that they cease to factor in yours. I appreciate the lesson here that friends aren't things to be owned but people to be appreciated; "to have a friend you must be a friend," which includes backing off when your friend is tired or busy.
November 20, 2019
Another one that I absolutely adored as a child, although I see I already gave it 4 stars instead of 5. (The ending is a little bit weak.) Obviously I'm going to love this fluffy, wonderful puppy as much as all the other animals on the farm do.
My favorite panels are the ones with Ruby up in the tree: fantastic art with so much emotion on her fuzzy little face.
The lesson is to not be selfish with your friends: "to have a friend, you must be a friend." Sometimes that means sharing them with their other friends, too, or letting them simply be alone, resting. (A good story for an introvert to hand over to the extroverted people in their lives, too.)
My favorite panels are the ones with Ruby up in the tree: fantastic art with so much emotion on her fuzzy little face.
The lesson is to not be selfish with your friends: "to have a friend, you must be a friend." Sometimes that means sharing them with their other friends, too, or letting them simply be alone, resting. (A good story for an introvert to hand over to the extroverted people in their lives, too.)
June 11, 2017
Basic Plot: Rhubarb the dog is so popular that the farm animals fight over who gets to play with her.
There is an important lesson in this book about prioritizing one's life and learning to say "no" to people when one is already spread thin on commitments. It's only once the little dog gets an assist from a practical possum that she is able to make everyone, including herself, happier.
The art, as always for Serendipity books, is superb, and the little dog is completely adorable.
There is an important lesson in this book about prioritizing one's life and learning to say "no" to people when one is already spread thin on commitments. It's only once the little dog gets an assist from a practical possum that she is able to make everyone, including herself, happier.
The art, as always for Serendipity books, is superb, and the little dog is completely adorable.
July 3, 2017
Cute book and adorable pictures will make you fall in love with Ruby who is a friend of all friends. The lesson was a good one although I am surprised that the author didn't make it to the point where all her friends played with each other instead of just her. Truly a good message for kids stuck in this digital age.
October 29, 2011
Such a cute one.
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December 30, 2013AR Quiz No. 7540 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 4.5 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 4.5 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
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August 16, 20182621
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