Ruthie Rose's Big Idea: A Poetry Story by Holly Hatam, John Schu
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536226491
Genres: Arts, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Ruthie Rose wakes up with a brilliant idea! She shares her exciting idea with her school librarian, her art teacher, her friend Lily-May (who also love poetry and prose as much as she does), and her class teacher. Throughout her day at school, her idea is visualized as a sparkling, rainbow swirl cloud that follows her around the school as it hums inside her. Finally, her idea is revealed: A space in the school library where kids can perform poetry and prose: The Poetry Place. “A space for everyone, a space for anyone to explore ideas so grand, ideas so great, ideas just waiting to become… big and bright and beautiful.”

This inspiring picture book does a wonderful job of showing children how a simple idea we wake up with can create new possibilities in our communities. The graphic design and font choices were unfortunately lacking for this one, which distracts the reader from believing in the book’s message with as much gusto as one would like. A very basic message, but will likely inspire some children who pick it up.

Recommended for kids PreK-Elementary.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath