THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY

TH ONE AND ONLY RUBY by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate is the darling story of a little elephant named Ruby who is scared to face her Tuskday, Tuskday is a coming of age celebration for elephants, but for Ruby it is a hard day to celebrate.

Ruby was born in Africa. Even though she is young she remembers the time spent with her herd, and she clearly remembers the day her mother was killed by poachers for her tusks. This started Ruby on a long journey that has had some good spots but also some very hard spots. Now she finds herself wondering how she can celebrate the very things that cause so many elephants to be killed and calves to be orphaned?

This book focuses on friendships and the people (or animals in this case) that help us through the hard times in our lives. It also helps us look at each day and answer two questions: 1- What gifts did the world give you today and 2- What gifts did you give to the world? Coming from a Christian viewpoint I would change the questions to be 1- What were the blessings in your life today that you are thankful for and 2- How did you bless the people you encountered in your life today?

I had to include my daughter's three stuffed animal elephants in the picture, because they cuddled up with us for every read aloud time of Ruby!

HEADS UP- As stated earlier this book does deal with poaching and the stealing of and selling of young elephants. There is not a lot of intense detail, but be aware if you have a sensitive child.