Unfortunately, not everyone is excited. Ruby's chickens are devastated at being left behind, as they've been working hard at their French lessons and now all have impeccable accents. But Ruby soon leaves thoughts of her chooks behind as she boards her Flying Hare flight and finds herself transported to a top-floor Paris apartment, reached by a rattling lift and a narrow, twirling staircase.
This book is a triumph of words and images combining to create a book of great charm and character. As Ruby and her red shoes venture out to explore, it's clear that every single phrase and each illustrative detail has been crafted with meticulous attention, imbuing this book with a whimsical charm that had me smiling at every page.
From a drawing of Ruby's shoes tucked into bed (with a matching quilt to the one on Ruby's) to the 'song of Paris' being captured in 'delicate chinks as coffee cups hit their saucers'; from the blossoming friendship between Ruby and her French cousin Felix to the snapshots of Parisian life in parks, markets, churches and cafés, I fell in love with both Ruby and Paris, and wished I was right there with her.
I only hope Ruby's chickens enjoyed the postcards she sent them as much as I did!
Title: Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris
Author/Illustrator: Kate Knapp
Publisher: Angus & Robertson, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: November 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780732297619
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book
