The end papers are the first to inform that this is
a book about WW2. Copies of advertising posters in olive green make you
stop and read them.
You get the feel of how things were during wartime, whether
it be how sandwiches were made without butter, or a call out for Air Raid
wardens.
The war is over and the soldiers are returning
home. London is in ruins but the bombing has stopped.
The children that had
been sent into the country areas for safety have returned to their homes again.
Celebrations are taking place everywhere due to the pooling of rations.
Ruby and her mum wait anxiously for the train that
will bring her dad back to them. His return is a joyous occasion, but there is
great change in Ruby’s house.
There are many things for Ruby to come to terms
with. War has left many scars, even on the land. Bomb sites are an attractive
thing to adventurous children, whether they are fenced off or not.
When Ruby falls during a venture into the ruins
with some boys, it’s Dad that saves her, and brings her home safely.
Stunning illustrations portray the ravages of war.
With her life-like images, Shirley Hughes draws the reader into an epoch that
today’s children learn about only through pictures and words. She has done this
perfectly with her brilliant and well- designed book.
The layout is superb. It allows the illustration to
be the commanding factor and speak louder than the text, but nevertheless, the
words play a significant supporting role in the story’s tale.
The book comes with a gorgeous jacket, depicting
Ruby on top of a pile of rubble.
Title:
Ruby in the Ruins
Author/Illustrator:
Shirley Hughes
Publisher:
Walker Books, $27.99
Publication
Date: April 2018
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781406375893
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book
