Review: Ruthie Rose's Big Idea

Written by John Schu

Illustrated by Holly Hatam

Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2025. Picture Book.

Some books just reach out and touch your heart and heal your soul. This is one of those books for me! Ruthie Rose wakes up one day with a beautiful idea. Because the idea is so big, she knows she will need a lot of help from people at her school. Fortunately, there are many faculty members and students ready and willing to help Rose with her idea.

This story, and the accompanying artwork feel so joyful, hopeful, and inspiring. The artwork is completely captivating. I can picture so many kids and grown-ups reading this book and feeling a spark of creativity enter into their minds. I think it could give kids the courage they need to plan and implement their own "big ideas."

I loved that no one saw Ruthie's ideas as too big, too hard, or too much. They shared her vision, and each of them individually did their part to contribute in helping it come into fruition. Go to your library and get your hands on a copy of this book today! You will not be disappointed.

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