Just One More

Ruby clearly did not get the memo from the Oracle at Delphi regarding moderation over excess. To her mind, the more the better, whether it's "just one more hair thingy" or "just one more push" on the swing. Readers will quickly sense that "one more" is never just "one more" for Ruby, and when her teetering ice-cream cone skyscraper goes "splat," they'll probably agree that a little self-discipline is in order. Debut author-illustrator Rolli's buttery, pastel-hued oil paintings convey a character who's the soul of doe-eyed adorableness, and whose sense of entitlement is just a teensy bit out of whack and easily correctable—which is why the book feels somewhat slighter than its interesting premise. There isn't a whole lot at stake, emotionally or comically. It doesn't help that Ruby is always shown in isolation (the only other human presence is a stiff arm that presumably belongs to her mother), leaving no real sense of how Ruby's behavior affects others. Maybe there's another kid who'd like a turn on the coin-operated pony ride, too. Ages 2-4. Agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (June)

PreS-K--Brief oversized text and large oil paintings combine wonderfully to introduce readers to Ruby, a child who lives life LARGE. A worthy companion for Ian Falconer's Olivia, Ruby is depicted on different colored grounds, with curly blond hair flying atop a round face that often fills the page. Whether she's sleeping or eating, arranging her hair or playing, Ruby always wants more: one more minute of sleep, one more hair ornament, one more sip, one more ride on the bronking horse, one more push on the swing, even one more penny to throw in the wishing well. When she gets her wish for still one more scoop of ice cream to top the already tottering pile on her cone, though--"SPLAT!" The spread following the picture of Ruby holding her stacked cone, tongue protruding in anticipation, says simply, "Uh oh," leaving readers to assume the outcome before the next page turn. Don't be surprised if readers echo Ruby's mantra when they reach the end of this story: "Just one more" time, please!--Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT