'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 9 May 2013

Review: Ruffy and Me

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure around the world.

The main character and his dog Ruffy sit in a tidy room, with toys and travel souvenirs packed neatly on shelves. ‘We were bored at home, Ruffy and me. What if we went travelling? Imagine what we’d see.’

The main character (who could be a boy or girl), spins a world globe and we are taken on a rollicking adventure. The language creates a wonderful rhythm. ‘We zoomed across Australia, Ruffy and me, and look, there were kangaroos - one, two, three!’


Ruffy and Me will stand up to many readings, because there is so much to discover in the bold, cartoon-like illustrations. In Australia you’ll see the Sydney Opera house, Uluru and the Giant Pineapple.

Parents and children will have plenty of fun as they search for three llamas in Peru or three pandas in China. What an enjoyable way to practice searching and counting skills.

 Lively pictures present a visual snippet of other countries, particularly their tourist attractions.

Finally Ruffy and 'me' rush home for tea to a bedroom full of scattered animal toys seen on the travels. There is a world globe discarded on the floor and pictures of faraway countries on the walls. The chaotic shambles of the bedroom will be as familiar to parents as the smile on the child’s face after his game.

In the world of Ruffy and Me, you can always find something to do, even in the comfort of your own bedroom.

Title: Ruffy and Me
Author: Dave Trumbull
Illustrator: Adam Carruthers
Publisher: Omnibus Books $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2012
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9780862918764
For Ages: 2 - 5
Type: Picture Book