“Ruby In Her Own Time” by Jonathan Emmett and Rebecca Harry was a disappointment to me when I first read it. The storyline is based on an over used underdog plot that follows the troubles faced by the smallest duckling out of five who hatch at the same time. I couldn’t help feeling like if you replaced the name “Ruby” with “Rudy” and replaced the ducks with a football team, you could come away with the outline for a sappy Hollywood movie script. Also, the illustration style, which is done in pastels, is filled with bright colors and cartoonish characters that were not immediately appealing to me. But, my son LOVED it. So I dutifully read and re-read it every night for several weeks.
During this time, a funny thing happened. I found myself enjoying the rhythm of the writing, and developing an appreciation for the illustration style. Also, as I puzzled over my son’s ardent admiration of the book, I realized another touching point. My son was born extremely premature and has had to play catch up with other kids his age all of his life. I saw that it was entirely possible that he saw a bit of his own struggle reflected in the little ducklings story as she learns to eat, swim and fly. After that perspective hit me, it became very difficult to read the book without bursting into tears.
All blubbering aside, however, as I continued to read this book to my son over the course of a few months I noticed the clever visual design of the text, the subtle and supportive roll that the parent ducks portray and even came to appreciate the sweet and sentimental underdog plot. Although I never would have thought that I would like this book, I now find myself in the position of heartily and enthusiastically recommending it. Give it a chance and you’ll find that you too will grow to love it…
…in your own time.
Happy parenting!
