Ruby can’t walk since her recent riding accident. Her family want to help her when all Ruby wants is to be part of the local bushfire rescue operation. Her wheelchair is great for getting about even if it leaves Ruby’s toes cold! Discovering an injured possum, Ruby comes up with a plan to knit protective clothes for wildlife injured in the bushfire. With the whole village getting involved, Ruby discovers compassion and care are close to home, warming her right down to her toes!
Barbara Braxton – The Bottom Shelf –
This is a timely release as we are urged by state bushfire authorities to prepare our homes during these cooler months in preparation for the summer fire season, and in fact, it contains a checklist from the NSW Rural Fire Service to encourage families to take action. But it also a story that demonstrates to young readers that they are not powerless and that there are things they can do to help not only in preparing their home but in caring for the wildlife that will be inevitably impacted and injured as well.
While stories like this and bring the heart-breaking impact of fire to our attention, others like Alight: A Story of Fire and Nature show that it is an integral part of the life cycle of the bush and thus, even our young readers, need to be aware and ready.
Dr F Goodstadt, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, University of Otago –
A wonderfully crafted book about the power of social connection and the importance for children to be included in meaningful participation in response to traumatic events. These key protective factors are empathically explored with delightful illustrations and child-centred language, resulting in a valuable resource for children and their families which is embedded in current psychological understanding of children’s trauma.
Jackie Hawkes, CBCA Kids Corner Editor –
Ruby’s personality, energy, and notion of caring as a solution for disaster definitely make us want to sign up to be part of her help crew. (And we’ve all had plenty of variations of disasters to identify with).