Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends

PreS-Gr 2–A wonderful lesson in adaptability, patience, and taking time to cultivate friendships. Ruby the fox is apprehensive about her first day at a new school, but she finds solace in bringing her tools along with her. These tools become coping mechanisms when Ruby is anxious; her tape measure, for example, reminds her to “count my breaths if I feel overwhelmed.” The class is excited when their teacher announces a science project to build the best egg holder for a dropping competition. As she gets together with her group to formulate a plan, Ruby becomes increasingly frustrated as her ideas are not being heard. Then, she uses her safety goggles to “try to see things in a new way.” She will show the group her idea. Building the project does not come easily to Ruby, but with the help of shy pal Alex, communication with the rest of the group becomes possible, and their teamwork shines. Little lovers of science who may also struggle to communicate will find Ruby relatable. Everyone has different ways of coping with stress and anxiety, and Stott illustrates this beautifully through words and pictures.