Ruby In Her Own Time

In today’s dog-eat-dog world of competitive parenting, where moms and dads flaunt their children’s developmental milestone accomplishments like Wall Street coups, little duckling Ruby simply won’t play that game. She hatches late, is a picky eater, and refuses to swim, even while siblings Rufus, Rorie, Rosie, and Rebecca stick with the program. Their father despairs of Ruby ever catching up, but wise Mother Duck is quietly confident: "She will…in her own time." And sure enough, when it comes time to spread their wings, Ruby flies higher and farther than any of her brothers and sisters. But will she ever come back? You guessed it: "She will…in her own time."

Jonathan Emmett (Bringing Down the Moon) pens a positively charming, nicely rounded story, perfect for tots--and their anxious parents--who live on their own timeline. Rebecca Harry’s cheery pastel illustrations give readers an adorable duck family they’ll want to reach out and touch. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter