Ruby's tools for making friends

A trio of tools help a young fox handle social anxiety in this picture book focused on emotional regulation. At her new school, Ruby's classmates, a mix of animal and human children, greet the teacher's plan for an egg-drop project with fast, loud chatter. "How can I help my group if I can't speak up?" Ruby wonders. But the measuring tape she carries helps Ruby count her breathing, and safety goggles help her to see things in a new way. After she enlists a quiet classmate's support, the group adopts Ruby's plan, which involves use of a third tool, pliers, to remind her of her flexibility. Elaborately worked, digitally finished watercolor spreads by Stott appoint the classroom with cubbies and science mobiles, and show its pupils with close attention to personal details and readable emotions. And as the little fox learns to visualize her instruments to remember "I'm okay," the project's outcome helps readers appreciate taking on new experiences with a toolbox of actions. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4--8. (June)

Tools can fix; tools can build. It's Ruby the fox's first day at a new school. Nervous, Ruby brings a backpack full of tools for reassurance (a tape measure is a reminder to count breaths; pliers are a reminder to be flexible). Today, the students will work in groups to design an egg holder that, when dropped, must prevent an egg from breaking. Ruby has an idea but is too shy to speak up. The next day, however, the young fox feels a bit bolder and shares the idea with Alex, who promises to get the others on board. The group is enthusiastic and uses Ruby's model. Other groups' projects fail. When it's Ruby's group's turn, parts of their device break. Ruby's tools do a quick fix, but the egg is intact! They've won! At lunch, the principal takes the winning devices from each classroom to the top of the slide to determine who will be the schoolwide winner. Ruby's group's device goes SPLAT. They accept their loss stoically, and Ruby's satisfied at having "constructed" new friendships. Narrated by Ruby, this thin but pleasant story imparts a good takeaway about the importance of welcoming newcomers--and being brave enough to forge new connections. The graceful, cozy illustrations depict Ruby's classmates as a blended community of animals and racially diverse humans; the teacher's a bear, while Alex is a brown-skinned boy. A sweet tale that will equip youngsters with the tools they need to try new things. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.