Ruby René Had So Much to Say

by Ashley Iman, Gladys Jose (Illustrator)

Overview

A debut picture book about a curious student who finds herself in trouble for talking in class—even though she just wants to share all that she’s learned.

“Did you know that flamingos don’t have teeth?” Questions, facts, and dreams—Ruby René could talk for hours. Once she got going, it was hard for her to stop. It didn’t matter if it was history, science, or the lunch menu—Ruby René had so much to say! But when her teacher called home because she found her sharing distracting, Ruby vowed to keep quiet. Until . . . she finds the perfect outlet for her gift of gab.

With charming text by debut author/educator Ashley Iman and colorful illustrations by Gladys Jose, Ruby René Had So Much to Say is a celebration of owning your voice, honing your skills, and turning challenges into opportunities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593618905
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	05/14/2024
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	709,452
File size:	22 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Ashley Iman is a former teacher and lifelong learner. She currently serves as the director of a teacher residency program in Washington, DC. When she’s not coaching new teachers, you can find her exploring a national park or working in her garden.

Gladys Jose is an illustrator, storyteller, and master to-do list maker. She earned a bachelor in fine arts degree with a specialization in graphic design from the University of Central Florida and has worked with several clients to perfect their brands. She lives in the sunny state of Florida with her husband and daughter. And her favorite drink is coffee; she’s always drinking coffee. You can visit her at www.gladysjose.com.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Ruby René Had So Much to Say by Ashley Iman, illustrated by Gladys Jose:

"A wonderful tale certain to inspire youngsters to find creative outlets for their curiosity. " —- Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

06/07/2024

PreS-Gr 2—Meet Ruby René—a young girl eager to share her thoughts on any number of topics with those around her. She has a tough time keeping these facts and ideas to herself, and catches the attention of her teacher, Mrs. Hansen, when she enthusiastically tells her classmates about the subjects of the day, from the Revolutionary War to the cafeteria's lunch menu. After Mrs. Hansen contacts her parents, Ruby's dad suggests she write her ideas in a journal throughout the day and share them during a more appropriate time, which leads to her missing the entire day's lesson. In gym class, Ruby is so keen to share a fact that she misses a dodgeball that hits her squarely in the head. While being treated for her injury, she encounters the principal, who is highly interested in hearing more about Ruby's fact. Not only that, but Principal Gale goes on to offer a creative and constructive solution that supports Ruby's curiosity. Iman's text is highly relatable, with an emphasis placed on encouraging and championing the passions of Ruby, while Jose's digital illustrations are vibrant and colorful. Ruby, her family, and the principal are Black; her teachers and classmates show diversity of backgrounds and circumstances. VERDICT An empowering and inspiring story that encourages young readers to pursue their passions and make their voices heard.—Olivia Gorecke

School Library Journal

2024-02-17
A story of hope for incessant talkers.

Ruby René, a dark-skinned Black girl with big curly hair, loves to talk. She listens to informative podcasts, adores science, and collects interesting facts that she’s eager to share—often. In class, Mrs. Hansen gets exasperated with Ruby’s talking and calls her parents. Knowing she’s in trouble, Ruby frets and decides to learn Morse code to communicate. Ruby’s concerned and empathetic dad gives her a purple journal so she can write her thoughts down in class instead of speaking them aloud. This quiets Ruby, but she gets so wrapped up with writing in the book that she hears little of Mrs. Hansen’s lessons. In gym class, Ruby can’t contain herself and shares a dodgeball fact with a classmate, and a ball clocks her on the head. While in the office nursing her noggin, Ruby encounters Principal Gale, who suggests something that changes everything. This story emphasizes creative solutions to loquaciousness that don’t squelch a child’s spirit. Ruby is surrounded by caring Black adults (including Mrs. Hansen and Ms. Gale) who encourage her inquisitiveness but help her channel it into positive avenues. Speech and thought bubbles give readers a view into Ruby’s perspective, and Jose’s whimsical, colorful digital illustrations depict a diverse classroom.

A wonderful tale certain to inspire youngsters to find creative outlets for their curiosity. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews