Reading with Ruby | "Ruby's Worry" Kids Story Book Read-Aloud
Channel: Reading with Ruby
Date: 2020-04-02

Ruby's Worry follows a bright, happy girl who becomes nervous and uneasy when she stumbles upon "a worry". The story presents a great opportunity to talk to children about worries and anxieties—what they are, how they can manifest, and how to address them. We adored this book of course because the main character’s name is Ruby, but more importantly, I was thrilled to see a book which depicts a brown girl without her skin color being a feature of the story. Books which illustrate diverse characters experiencing the world normally are *so* important.

It was essential for me to start helping Ruby identify, name, understand, and discuss her emotions from a young age. When I recognized that a lot of her frustrations were borne out of an inability to effectively communicate what she was experiencing, desiring, or missing, it was clear to me that it was important to talk about feelings and emotions often—mine, hers, and others’.  Whether I thought she could understand certain concepts at certain stages was irrelevant--I knew it was good practice to be in the habit of getting the words and ideas in front of her consistently; eventually her brain would be ready to absorb it. I helped (and continue to help) her notice certain behaviors and attach them to feelings, emotions, or needs. “Ruby, I’m noticing that you are getting upset, you have a sad look on your face (sometimes I’d take her to a mirror), and you’re groaning. Do you think you’re feeling frustrated by that game? Would you like some help?” I don’t find it helpful or useful when I heard adults accusing children of being a certain way or doing a certain thing without helping them understand why they may be acting in that way. We can’t take for granted that the feelings and emotions experienced by little bodies are brand new—it’s our job to introduce and help our kids navigate them.

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