|
 Review by
Louella Moreland
Some years ago Polly Pocket dolls enthralled our youngest daughter.
Little miniature dolls, dresses, rooms and containers would turn up in our
sofa, under beds, between car seats or in the washing machine. These
miniature wonders have been put away now. However, when I read "Ruthie and
the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie," I once again pictured our daughter's head bent
over her miniature collection.
In Laura Rankin's new book, miniature things also infatuate her character
Ruthie. Ruthie collected her treasures wherever she could find them. During
recess one day she spied a teeny tiny camera in the grass by the twirling
bar. What a find! At least it was until she took a picture of Martin. Martin
told Ruthie it was HIS camera. Of course Ruthie did not want to give up the
camera. They began to argue, carrying the argument into the classroom after
recess. Even though Ruthie declared as loudly as Martin that the camera was
hers, she knew it really was not. Their wise teacher, Mrs. Olsen, agreed
this was quite a problem, so she suggested the camera be kept in her desk
drawer until tomorrow, when they could talk about it again.
Adults and children can readily see the war that rages in Ruthie's
conscience the rest of the day and evening. Her stomach aches, she cannot
concentrate, she has no appetite, and ends up in tears, finally confessing
the whole story to her parents at bedtime. Papa explains that she made a
mistake when she said the camera was hers, and she could fix it tomorrow. Of
course, the idea of confessing scares Ruthie, but swallowing her fear, she
does the right thing. Apologies are made and accepted. Ruthie's world
returns to normal again and she realizes she did not miss having the
miniature camera after all.
[to top of second column]
 |
The illustrations are colorful and charming. Bears, foxes,
raccoons and bunnies dressed and acting like humans create a safe
imaginary context for the story. Emotions are readily translated
from facial expressions. Simple details, such as a pencil sharpener
on the wall, sock and shoes dropped on the floor by the bed, are
incorporated throughout the book. Every picture places the reader
firmly in Ruthie's world.
It would be a rare family that did not face this agonizing
predicament. Parents instruct their children to be honest. Young
children see a thing they want and are tempted to take what they
know does not belong to them. What is the best way to handle a
situation if temptation overcomes teaching? Maybe preventive
medicine can help. By sharing Rankin's book with little ones, they
can experience the discomfort that a lie can bring while learning
that an apology and confession can set the world right again.
"Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie" is a delight to the ear,
the eye and the heart. To check out this book or others about
childhood situations, come visit us at the Lincoln Public Library.
We would like to help you find the right book for you and your
child.
[Text from file received from
Louella Moreland,
Lincoln Public Library District]
 |
