at first, Ruby hardly noticed
it.
But then the worry started
to grow.
Each day it got a little bit
bigger.
It just wouldn't leave her alone."
We are hearing more and more these days about the anxiety young children are feeling. Goodness, it is a growing dilemma for people of all ages. To think about little ones having worries and concerns that change their days is frightening and heartbreaking. Books like this one might be just what is needed to allow all kids a chance to give voice to those things that worry them.
Ruby is the picture of contentment when we see her with her parents at the beach on the title page. They are ready for a picnic, Dad has just bought a new toy. That tiny windmill whirls as she runs, she enjoys a high swing, and she wanders off to explore the farthest part of the family garden. She is a very happy child ... until she meets a Worry. It certainly isn't a big one!
As the Worry grows, Ruby becomes more aware of its presence. It is always there: while she's playing, when she's having breakfast, even just before bed. Only Ruby can see it. It stops Ruby from being her happy self and enjoying all the activities she has always loved. It takes some time for Ruby to realize what is happening. The Worry is making her worry all the time!
"The Worry became the only thing that Ruby could think about,
and it seemed like she would never feel happy again."
No little one should ever feel that way! It isn't until she meets a little boy with a Worry of his own that Ruby suddenly realizes that Worries bother other people, too. She is not the only one. The two talk and their Worries lessen, and disappear.
Tom Percival uses color - then a lack of it - to clearly represent how Ruby is feeling. As the Worry grows, the color goes out of her world. When she meets another worrier and begins to understand more about it, the color returns. Young readers will notice.
No comments:
Post a Comment