Ruby & Joseph
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In book ONE of the series, the Lawrence family moves from the bustling city to the tranquil countryside. The siblings Ruby and Joseph find themselves embarking on numerous adventures and encountering various challenges. As they navigate their new environment, they must also team up with their parents to overcome obstacles and build community connections. The story is filled with humor, compassion, and a strong emphasis on the importance of family bonding. Author Patrice Kasimov aims to provide children with engaging, realistic stories that foster emotional involvement in the characters' journeys.
Discussion points
What do you think made Ruby and Joseph become such good friends?
How do you think Joseph felt when Ruby helped him?
Why is it important to have a friend like Ruby?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Ruby helped Joseph?
What would you do if you were in Ruby's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and open tone to encourage your child to express their feelings about friendship.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences with friends to make the conversation more relevant.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to dive deeper into the discussion.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers to affirm their thinking and boost their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Share your own stories about helping friends to model empathy and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story of 'Ruby & Joseph' revolves around Ruby's efforts to understand why Joseph behaves differently from her. The narrative allows children to see how she learns about Joseph's feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and viewpoints of others, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ruby and Joseph's friendship grows stronger as they navigate various challenges together. This highlights the value of supporting and being there for a friend.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be good friends in their daily interactions and to value the friendships they form, understanding that friendships can provide mutual support and joy.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Ruby and Joseph face several problems during their adventure. The book shows them brainstorming and working together to find solutions, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach challenges with a calm and thoughtful mindset, understanding that problems are a part of life and can often be resolved through collaboration and creative thinking.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: As Ruby and Joseph encounter obstacles, they show determination and do not give up easily, illustrating the traits of resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, encouraging them to keep trying and not be easily discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Differences
Explanation: The book illustrates how Ruby and Joseph's differences in character and approach enrich their experiences and deepen their friendship, promoting the celebration of individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate the unique qualities of each person, understanding that diversity can lead to richer, more fulfilling interactions.