Ruths, Mitali Banerjee

While not a first purchase, this is a cheerful addition to a beginning reader collection, particularly for libraries that own the others in the series.

This series debut aimed at newly independent readers provides short, colorful, diary-style entries with a sweet central character. Strongly recommended.

Though this isn’t a completely smooth read, enchanting illustrations and a simple plot offer an enjoyable glimpse of one family’s celebration. A strong choice for picture book shelves.–Rachel Owens, O’Neal Library, Birmingham, AL