ruby's school walk book review (and giveaway!)

since tessa will be starting (full-day!) kindergarten this fall, i have been on the watch for books to help her feel ready for this new milestone in her life.

for this reason, i was thrilled to receive ruby's school walk ($16.99) from barefoot books.  i have always heard about the quality of storyline and illustrations from barefoot books so i thought this book would be an excellent addition to our collection.

ruby is a little girl on her way to her first day of kindergarten with her mother.  along the way she sees things that are scary like alligators and a haunted house (the ghosts and witches in this story are not my favorite).  her mother tries to reassure her that they are just normal things like fish and sticks or an empty house, but ruby "knows better."  she is able to tackle the objects of her fear with her imagination.

when she arrives at school, the reality of what she is about to face hits her:  "i wonder what i'll do today. i don't know what to think or say."  her mother helps her to see that her imagination can help her have a fun day at school.

i am saving this book to give to tessa when we are a little bit closer to school starting.  i'm hopeful that the specialness of a new book will help her feel excited about starting a new school with a new teacher.  i don't think the story is the best one in the world for thinking about what the school day will be like but i do love the colorful illustrations.  tessa does have a very active imagination so i think we can talk about how her imagination can help her overcome her fears.

this is a beautiful book that feels sturdy and solid in your hands.  i'm sure it is one that tessa will treasure for a long time. 

barefoot books has given me the opportunity to giveaway a copy of ruby's school walk for one of you.  to enter, visit the barefoot books website and come back here and tell me which book you would most like to buy for yourself or for a child you know (usa residents only, please).  i will choose a winner using random.org on september 7, our first day of school.

this is a mamabuzz review.  i received a free copy of this book from barefoot books for the purpose of this review.