Ruby and Bubbles

Rosie Winstead's debut story is a doozie. Inspired by her niece's inordinate fondness for a bird, Winstead came up with this tale of best friends. She's a self-taught artist whose paintings are colorful, warm and, yes, sophisticated. There's Ruby with long eye lashes, jet black hair and a flower on the side of her coif. She wears tunic tops, pantaloons, and sunglasses. Ruby is a busy gal with a full-time job running a lemonade stand and the full care of twins (her dolls). The only downside is her obnoxious neighbor, Bratty Hatty. One day Ruby is shopping when she comes upon a store with a small yellow bird. Finding it irresistible, she takes it home and names it Bubbles. Pretty soon it's Ruby and Bubbles, best friends who do everything together. When she found out it was Bubbles's bird-day she decided to throw him a bird-day party. She even invited Bratty Hatty and Mean Maureen (because her mother made her). Of course, those two would do everything they can to ruin the party and humiliate Ruby. Youngsters will be pleased with this story's conclusion, as well as what happens to Hatty and Maureen. - Gail Cooke

This is a beautiful and delightful book. We like it so much that we are ordering more for gifts. My daughter recommends it to anyone who loves birds, and I recommend it to anyone who loves kids. This will be one of our classic children's books.

This is a fun book about a little girl who has quite a colorful and busy life.Two of her "friends" are always criticizing her and her bird. This is a wonderful children's book! It's so funny and the pictures are delightfully whimsical and the colors throughout are beautiful! The book is of perfect length, not too long or short. It keeps your attention well. I highly reccommend this book because adults will enjoy it as well as the kids!

From the first page, my kids were hooked. Fantastic art-work and a story that kids can easily relate to. This is one of those books, your kids will ask you to read a second and third time --- after you JUST read it, because they like it so much, and then you pick up little details while you're reading it that you hadn't noticed the first or second time through. There's a charming wit, and a very important message to the story, especially for kids, that doesn't get old. We'll probably wear out the spine on our copy within a few weeks and have to order another one.

This is the most beautiful book! My kids love it more than any other book. They never get tired of reading it. The pictures are amazing and the story is so fun!