Title: Ruby’s Christmas Gifts
Author: Nancy Oswald
Publisher: Filter Press Books
ISBN: 978-0-86541-257-6
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Pages: 34
Reviewed by: Beth Adams

Read Book Review

Author Nancy Oswald has created an original Christmas Story along with an old-time flair for children of all ages to enjoy in her book titled, Ruby’s Christmas Gifts. Artistically illustrated by Nathaniel Jensen, the story follows this young girl, Ruby, as she looks all around Cripple Creek, Colorado, trying to find her donkey Maude’s missing four month old foal and her cat, Trouble. During her exploits wandering through town, she comes across situations and characters, without immediately realizing the spirit of Christmas is being revealed with its magic upon her. This subtle theme is expertly told by the very articulate narrative, where Nancy Oswald writes at a higher level, respecting the reading audience’s ability to follow her vernacular and credible circumstances of events, making this an enjoyable story for all readers.

Set in a time known as the past – a time where people weren’t holding cell phones, electricity wasn’t wired all around us, horses and donkeys were the only transportation – yet people had the same values, undistracted by the conveniences of modern-day life. Christmas Eve was upon the people, as Ruby was contemplating the gift she was about to buy with her saved silver dollar for her grandmother. However, upon her journey events changed her plans. A nice lady gave Ruby a “star pin” – a shiny pin which looked like the Northern Christmas Star. A young boy was in need of some warmth, so Ruby gave him her mittens, sacrificing her own comfort for the benefit of the young boy. A disabled man, who lost an arm from suffering what appeared to be a mine explosion, was given Ruby’s silver dollar, selflessly by Ruby’s sense of generosity. And with a surprise ending, all things work out in a fanatically human spirited way which will make an impression on all readers.

The version of the book I reviewed was a hard-bound printed copy, of excellent quality with oversized pages and an immaculate layout of galley text with interleaved illustrations. This version of Ruby’s Christmas Gifts would make an ideal addition to any family library, and surely be a cherished story for youngsters to read around the holiday season. The underlying morals and kindness inherent in the story will warm the hearts of all those paging this masterfully detailed book. Ruby’s love of animals, kindness and generosity to others, and faith in the Christmas Spirit will bring children closer to the past – yet revealing that people don’t change, and the Christmas spirit is universal. This is truly a Christmas treasure.