On the Bookshelf—Review of When Ruby Tried to Grow Candy

When Ruby Tried to Grow Candy by Valorie Fisher

"Why are teacups hanging on your tree?" Ruby asked.
"My teacups aren't hanging, they're growing," Miss Wysterious snarled.
"You grew a teacup?" asked Ruby. "How?"
"The usual way—with water, sunshine, and the occasional chitchat."


This picture book is absolutely delightful!  Ruby accidentally bounces her ball over the fence into the neighbor's yard, and she follows it into a garden where buttons and shoes are the produce. Miss Wysterious, the fierce gardener, suggests Ruby grow candy, and though Ruby is skeptical, Ruby plants lemon drops and toffees and waters them everyday. As Miss Wysterious says, "If you're in doubt, nothing will sprout."

Quirky and lovable characters, imaginative plot, gorgeous multi-media pictures, and a good dash of wit.