"RUTHIE" is a rhyming picture book with a sneaky agenda. Available as soft cover, eBook or CD.
When her family move away, far from her friends, Ruthis turns into a disruptive and rude child. Her parents tear their hair. Then, something wonderful happens that changes everthing. Parent-teacher guide included. The Q&A will help parent and child sort through the reason big changes ( dovorce, a death) can really upset a child.
Autographed copies from my website. Also available throuh the Pulisher, Amazon, Powell's Books, and more.
Excerpt
Young Ruthie's mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn't talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly - like some Hippo's fat behind.
Professional Reviews
From Jill Osborne’s Writing and Play Therapy
From Jill Osborne’s
Writing and Play Therapy Page
"Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind."
“Snotty Kid. Be Gone!”
"Young Ruthie's mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn't talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly - like some Hippo's fat behind."
At the end of my first read through, of “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind,” by Margot Finke, I thought “this is perfect for so many of my kids!”
When Ruthie moved, and left all her friends and old home behind her personality and moods completely changed. She sulked, and became rude to her parents, argued, and had tantrums. Finally, she drove her parents crazy and her father said, “Snotty Kid. Be Gone!” Then, she had a Magic Moment that helped her reconcile with her parents. It ends on a positive note, and Ruthie feels happier.
Changes can affect children in many ways, especially a move far away from friends. Ruthie’s story is like so many children who deal with changes in every day life, and often parents become frustrated themselves. Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind, by Margot Finke, Illustrated by K.C. Snider, is a light hearted, realistic look at how children often express their emotions. The rhyming feels comfortable to read, and the story has a good pace. It kept my attention throughout. There is a short teacher/parent guide in the back to help adults talk to children about their feelings and also other resources for parents.
Many children who are angry, going through change or a move of any kind would benefit from this story. Ruthie captures these feelings on many levels, including showing anger through arguing and tantrums, and also sulking and feeling bad about herself. As a child therapist, I see many children go through lots of changes and reflect behaviors and emotions like Ruthie. I would recommend this book therapists and parents alike for any child going through change.
National Writing for Children Center - Book Review, Karen Cioffi
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind is a delightful children’s picture book that deals with a “big change” in a little girl’s life. And, with the first line the reader is immediately hooked: “Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.”
What a great introduction to a children’s story. The stage is set, Ruthie’s “smiles slunk off in gloom.” Right there on the first page, in the first sentence you know Ruthie has a problem . . . a big problem.
Due to a family move, Ruthie had to leave her school, her neighborhood, and worst of all, her friends. Everything she was familiar with was gone. And, like most children, Ruthie was having a very hard time dealing with the situation . . . the loneliness . . . and the adjustment to new surroundings.
Then one day, out of the blue, something changes Ruthie’s mood: “A whimper came, and then one more. Frowns melted into smiles. A Magic Moment, swirling fast, zoomed in and worked its wiles.” This is great writing.
As the title depicts, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind explores Ruthie’s unhappiness and resulting reactions in a lighthearted and amusing manner. With rhyme and vivid description, Finke brings the reader along on Ruthie’s plight of loneliness, sadness, and anger with a twist of silliness: “Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!”
In addition to a great story, the book is filled with outstanding full page illustrations that are bold, colorful, and full of life. This combination will have kids wanting to read it over and over.
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind is a book that children will absolutely love, and benefit from. To add to the value of the book, Finke includes a PARENT TEACHER GUIDE. This section offers useful tips and strategies to help children who are facing a “big change.” It also includes three links to websites that provide additional help and resources.
I am a huge fan of Margot Finke’s work, including Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind. With her expertise in rhyme and story telling, she has a knack for cleverly conveying what children may be feeling in a manner that engages, entertains, and is filled with humor. She also has a knack for magically weaving rhyming content into wonderful images that take the reader on an amazing journey.
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Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, freelance writer, and reviewer. She is also the founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move, and on the team at DKV Writing 4 U. For information about writing and marketing, stop by karencioffi.com and sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter – you’ll also get 2 FREE e-books about writing and marketing.
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