Ruby the Copycat (A Blue Ribbon Book)

Rating:
Summary: A family favorite
Review: I can't believe any reviewer would criticize the illustrations in this book! As in every Rathman book, the quirky and humorous pictures are half the fun. We love all of Rathman's books, but this is my favorite one to read to my children. In fact, it's one of my favorite books in our entire collection. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: You are a copycat!
Review: I have mixed feelings regarding this book. On the one hand the book is funny and deals with a real life problem of kindergarden and primary school children ("he is a copycat" is a regular accusation at my house). However, reading this story after reading Peggy Rathmann's three other books: "Gorilla", "Officer Buckle and Gloria" and "Ten minutes till bedtime" is a little disappointing. The three books mentioned are totally hilarious and I feel they are all unique and special works of art. This book however, although very good, does not come to their masterpiece level.
"Ruby the Copycat" is written with a neutral voice without "taking sides" - just telling the story as it is. Reader can understand both Ruby, the copycat, and in a way even understand why she is copying (Ruby is the new kid and Angela's ribbon is so very charming) but also see the point of view of those being copied - as Angela, whose every act (red ribbon in hair, rainbow painted shirt) is copied by Ruby. At first this is nice and Angela whispers back at Ruby "I like your ribbon" - but after a while Angela does not whisper any more... Ruby is stripping her of all individuality. These are an adult words but the book is written in a language every child can understand and the pictures are there to strengthen the words. Ruby wins the readers heart in the end when following the teacher's advice (don't we all wish for such teachers) finds her own unique "thing" and now the children copy Ruby's "hopping".

Rating:
Summary: Ruby the Copycat teaches empathy to primary grade children
Review: We read Ruby the Copycat in my second-grade classroom, and the kids really gravitated toward it. The illustrations are appropriately stylized to clearly deliver character emotions, and there are subtle details in the pictures that breathe more life into the characters. Ruby reminds me of the nervous child in all of us that seeks to fit in. I highly, highly recommend this book for in-class reading. Buy a class set!

Rating:
Summary: Ruby Rocks
Review: When I was 9 years old, I read this book at a daycare where I stayed. I read it every single day. One day, I remembered it, after forgetting for years, and came here to amazon.com. I was overjoyed to learn that yes, they had this book. Its a great story your kids or even you will love for years to come. I recommend this book for ages 1-100. You'l love it!