Sustainability, friendship and the importance of community shine in this topical picture book, championing the actions of Ruby in an effort to save the family business. Young readers will applaud Ruby’s resourcefulness and initiative, crafted in a plausible way. Simple yet descriptive text is interspersed with occasional alliteration and rhyme, seamlessly woven together.
Design has been well-considered, with endpapers that tell the story in two simple, powerful full-page spreads, utilising a landscape format which carries the reader through the town from decline to revitalisation. The heart-warming resolution is skilfully depicted over several detailed double pages of vignettes. A series of small, framed illustrations, full of movement and activity, are accompanied by a few words leading to the satisfying final page.