Baby Ruby Bawled
What’s inside...
Baby Ruby won't stop crying despite various attempts by her family members, including baths, feeds, drives, and walks in the garden. In the end, her brother Theo sings her a special song he creates, which finally calms her down. The family, exhausted from their efforts, falls asleep, with Ruby finally sleeping as well.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Baby Ruby was crying?
How do you think Ruby’s parents felt when they couldn’t calm her down?
What are some things that make you feel better when you’re upset?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better? What did you do?
How do you think the story would change if Ruby stopped crying? What would everyone do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with a gentle tone, encouraging empathy by asking how your child might feel in Baby Ruby’s situation. Highlight the emotions depicted in the book, asking your child to point out facial expressions and postures. Link the story to your child’s experiences, discussing times when they felt similar to Ruby and what helped them. Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, fostering a deeper connection to the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing emotions
Explanation: Baby Ruby Bawled showcases the titular character, Baby Ruby, expressing her emotions transparently through crying, indicating when she is unhappy or needs attention.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to openly express their feelings and communicate their needs to parents and caregivers, fostering a healthy emotional development.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Baby Ruby’s family attempts different methods to soothe her, demonstrating the process of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and try various solutions when confronted with challenges in their everyday activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The family’s response to Ruby’s cries teaches empathy, as they show concern and take action to comfort her.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being sensitive to the emotions of others, promoting empathy in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The book highlights the collective effort of the family to care for Baby Ruby, underlining the theme of family bonding and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of family support and teamwork, which can be mirrored in their relationships within the family unit.