Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friends and family help young elephant in heart-filled tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, young elephant friend to Ivan the gorilla and Bob the dog, now has a safe and happy life in a sanctuary. But she's growing up -- her tusks are starting to grow, her elephant aunties are preparing a big Tuskday celebration, and Ruby wants no part of it. An unexpected reunion with a long-ago caretaker brings a lot of joy, but also triggers long-buried memories of her mom and original family, her mom's death, and the abuse Ruby suffered afterward. She's overcome by fear and grief all over again, but this time her loved ones are there to help her.
Is It Any Good?
A happy reunion triggers an onslaught of dark memories in this heart-filled tale of a young elephant's coming of age. Fortunately, The One and Only Ruby gets a lot of love, support, and wisdom from her extended family and friends, because, as one of her elephant aunties observes, trying to run away from growing up is a race you're not going to win. There's a lot of emotionally heavy stuff here, and themes like climate change, poaching, and animal cruelty loom large, but young Ruby's conflicted feelings and her loved ones' support will resonate with many a reader, young and old.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like The One and Only Ruby that show how big issues and events have a life-changing effect on individual characters. What other stories do you know where the characters are caught up in forces beyond their control -- and things are never the same? Why do you think this is a popular theme?
Have you ever visited a wildlife park or sanctuary? What did you see there? What was most interesting -- or surprising?
An important concept in the story is the idea of sentinels -- "They look out for you. They understand you. They help you. Sentinels make you feel safe." Do you have sentinels in your life? Who are they and what do they do?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Patricia Castelao
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Friendship , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Humility , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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