Ms. Bee’s Magical Bookcase
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrated by Andrew Gooderham
Published by Chestnut, $8.95 US – $10.95 Canadian
ISBN 1-894601-10-6
At first the children would stare at the glasses on the tip of her nose or at her sensible shoes. But as soon as Ms. Bee, the school librarian, started telling stories, they forgot everything around them because she told the most wonderful stories they had ever heard. The Kindergartners stopped picking their noses and the Grade Fours stopped braiding their hair. Even the Fifth Graders forgot to open and close their velcro shoes. Miss Polly, the principal, would sneak into the library to listen too.
No one knew where the stories came from, but it sounded as if Ms. Bee had been there herself. When she was asked if the stories were true, Ms. Bee smiled and said, “Maybe… and maybe not”.
Reviews A story that teachers, librarians and parents will want to share with children – it’s filled with the wonder, joy and magic that is reading!
Eric Walters, award winning writer, teacher and parent
In a time when many school districts are phasing out teacher-librarians, it is important to acknowledge Margaret Ruurs’ assertion that “everyone knew that the school would not be a good school without a librarian”.
– Phyllis Simon, co-owner, Vancouver Kidsbooks
Margriet Ruurs spins a delightful story that readers of all ages will warm up to and laugh out loud with.
– Barbara May, past-president, Iowa Reading Association
The story is so descriptive and the pictures are fabulous. I wished that all teacher-librarians were like Ms. Bee!
– Savannah Francis, 11, of Monmouth, Oregon
My Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children Around the World
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Boyds Mills Press, 2005, Hardcover
ISBN 1-59078-093-0
Do you get books from a public library in your town or even in your school library? In many remote areas of the world, there are no library buildings. In many countries, books are delivered in unusual way: by bus, boat, elephant, donkey, train, even by wheelbarrow. Why would librarians go to the trouble of packing books on the backs of elephants or driving miles to deliver books by bus? Because, as one librarian in Azerbaijan says, “Books are as important to us as air or water!” This is the intriguing photo essay, a celebration of books, readers, and libraries.
This fascinating photo essay will appeal to book lovers of all ages.
Reviews
The intriguing view of libraries and children around the world will appeal to many readers, and this book will also pair nicely with other picture books about libraries and books.
– Horn Book, September 2005
“With little information available about libraries of the world, this title offers a glimpse into the world of books, which several countries consider as important as air or water. This might be an interesting revelation to many students who consider reading a laborious task and to those who take an abundance of books very much for granted.” —School Library Journal
“One of the more unusual books about libraries, this may also get kids thinking about children in other countries in a way that the series books never do.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The easygoing and accessible narrative would work well as either a readaloud or as a text for independent readers. . . . Well organized and engaging.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Awards
ILA Notable Book for a Global Society
Teacher’s Choice Award
Shortlisting for Utah’s Information Book Award
My School in the Rain Forest: How Children Attend School Around the World
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Boyds Mills Press, ISBN 978-1-59078-601-7
An engaging look at some of the world’s most unusual schools. At a school that sits on the edge of the Sahara, students are learning to speak English from a teacher who stands in front of a Webcam in North America. These students are learning in a virtual classroom. In another part of the world, kids aren’t waiting to ride the bus to school—they are waiting to hop in a boat that will take them to a school that floats on a river. And some kids don’t mind heights, especially those who attend a school on the slope of a mountain in the Himalayas, in one of the most remote corners of the earth. Margriet Ruurs contacted teachers and volunteers, many of whom took cameras in hand to photograph their schools and students. In this lively photo-essay, readers get to know students—from the arid plains of southern Afghanistan to the rain forests of Guatemala—who are pursuing their dreams of a brighter future.
Contact the author at margriet@margrietruurs.com for school/conference presentations about her travels, the making of this book and how your school can support education in developing countries as a service learning project.
REVIEWS
“Accessible and inspiring. . . . Impressive in scope. . . . An excellent choice for the classroom and a strong introduction to such topics as global diversity and the importance of education.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Gives a good sense of the vastly different educational experiences of children around the world.” —Booklist
Awards
2009 Best Bets for nonfiction, Ontario Library Association;
Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2010, special interest.
No Dogs Allowed
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrated by Marc Houde
Chestnut Publishing Group, Paperback, $8.95
ISBN 1-894601-34-3
Based on a true story, Sam’s owner has to give him away when she moves to a senior’s home where no dogs are allowed. A full year later, Sam finds his way to the home and into the hearts of the people who live there. A lovely book to share and to encourage children to write their own amazing animal stories.
The Power of Poems
Teaching The Joy of Writing Poetry
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Maupin House, 2000
ISBN 0-929895-44-4
“A book that empowers teachers to tackle poetry in the classroom. Filled with wonderful suggestions for helping youngsters create their own poems, ideas for stimulating the energy that writing requires, useful strategies to help students structure and shape words and comprehensive book lists to strengthen and deepen the poetry experience..”
– Dr. David Booth, author
To order this book, contact:
Maupin House Publishing, Florida www.maupinhouse.com
Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Artwork by Nizar Ali Badr
Orca Book Publishers, 2016
ISBN 9781459814905
This unique picture book was inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, discovered by chance by Canadian children’s writer Margriet Ruurs. The author was immediately impressed by the strong narrative quality of Mr. Badr’s work, and, using many of Mr. Badr’s already-created pieces, she set out to create a story about the Syrian refugee crisis.
Stepping Stones tells the story of Rama and her family, who are forced to flee their once-peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war raging ever closer to their home. With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama and her mother, father, grandfather and brother, Sami, set out to walk to freedom in Europe. Nizar Ali Badr’s stunning stone images illustrate the story.
Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer this book as a dual-language (English and Arabic) edition.
Reviews Stepping Stones is a powerful, intriguing, informative, evocative, entertaining book.
– CM
New York Magazine – February 8, 2017
A gateway to discussing refugees and immigration with America’s youngest citizens…Teaching kids empathy—this is where it starts.
Horn Book Magazine – February 6, 2017
“Ordinary beach stones were used to make the three-dimensional collages in this arresting picture book…Stone by stone, step by step, it all adds up to a memorable look at what it means to leave one’s home in search of ‘a bright new future.'”
Canadian Children’s Book News – October 20, 2016
“Ruurs’ beautiful words are twinned with the most stunning artwork by Nizar Ali Badr…I could not but be moved by Badr’s work, as it is unlike anything else I have ever seen and conveys so much emotion. I hope this beautiful book will reach the shelves of classrooms, libraries and homes throughout the world and be read and shared many times over.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review – August 1, 2016
“Ruurs writes purely and warmly, with the text set in both English and Raheem’s Arabic translation…She deftly conveys the happiness of peaceful childhood, then the confusion and the fears born of war and migration, and the relief and curiosity of arriving at a new home…Each illustration is masterful, with Badr’s placement of stones as careful as brush strokes, creating figures positioned to tell the whole story without the benefit of facial expressions…An astonishing book that allows the humanity of refugees to speak louder than politics and introduces readers to one of Syria’s incredible artists.”
Resource Links – October 19, 2016
“What a wonderful book!…The illustrations are amazing, created totally from stones…They poignantly display the plight of this family as they leave all they have known behind to seek a new life…This book would be a wonderful way to introduce young children to the refugee crisis that is happening in other parts of the world. Especially now when we have some of these refugee children in our own classrooms throughout the country, the book might inspire some of these children to share their experiences. I would highly recommend this book for every primary and elementary school in the country.”
It’s exquisite! One can only pray that its message will spread and make the difference we need.
– Mem Fox, award-winning and internationally bestselling children’s book author
Ruurs writes purely and warmly, with the text set in both English and Raheem’s Arabic translation…She deftly conveys the happiness of peaceful childhood, then the confusion and the fears born of war and migration, and the relief and curiosity of arriving at a new home…Each illustration is masterful, with Badr’s placement of stones as careful as brush strokes, creating figures positioned to tell the whole story without the benefit of facial expressions…An astonishing book that allows the humanity of refugees to speak louder than politics and introduces readers to one of Syria’s incredible artists.
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Brilliant and beautiful and inspiring. A book that should be read with every child in the world! An instant classic as solid as the stones on which it is based!
Eric Walters, award-winning author and member of the Order of Canada
Stepping Stones has raised nearly $100,000.- for refugees. It has led to quilt creations inspired by Nizar’s art, displays of book and art in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques around the world. Children have created stone art, paintings and poems based on the book. It was selected as one of few books from around the world that best illustrate Pope Francis’ message to Young Humanitarians. It continues to cause a ripple effect and create awareness.
Stepping Stones has been published in many different languages, including Japanese, German, Turkish, Australian, Korean, Dutch, Vietnamese and more.
Awards
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2016
Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize, 2017
Short-listedBank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year 2017
CL/R SIG International Reading Association Notable Books for a Global Society
CCBC Best Books starred selection
Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize, 2017
Winner Middle East Book Award
Runner-upRocky Mountain Book Award | 2018 | Short-listed
Virtual Maniac: Silly & Serious Poems for Kids
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Maupin House, date _____
ISBN 0-929895-43-6
Reviews This book touches the heart and funnybone of all kids! A great, lyrical book of poems!
– Gary Dulabaum, performer
A playful collection of poems to delight and challenge the ear.
– Dr. Ron Jobe, Newbery Awards Committee member
Margriet Ruurs is a gifted poet who writes verse consistently reflecting a joy of language and insight into the world of children. Virtual Maniac is a showcase collection of her highly recommended talent.
– Midwest Book Review of VIRTUAL MANIAC
To order this book, contact:
Maupin House Publishing, Florida www.maupinhouse.com
Wake up, Henry Rooster!
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrated by Sean Cassidy
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, ISBN 1550419528
He’s no morning rooster!
Henry’s a young rooster who loves to have fun. He plays cards with the goats, listens to moosic with the cows, and pops corn with the pigs. After a long night of fun, however, Henry just can’t get up early in the morning. His mom insists he’s not lazy; Henry just isn’t a morning rooster. But Henry’s father is off to a convention for a week – guess who must take his place and crow the sun up each morning?
Poor Henry. He’s just not cut out for this crowing business. But if he doesn’t find a way to make it to work on time, the sun won’t rise when it’s supposed to, the farmer and his wife will be late, and all the farm chores won’t get done. They’re all depending on Henry. Will he learn to be a morning rooster after all?
Awards
Official selection 2008 Shining Willow Award (Saskatchewan’s Children’s Choice Book Awards)
Official Selection 2006 & 2007 Blue Spruce Award (Ontario’s Children’s Choice Award)
ForeWord Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year – Bronze Winner
Reviews Henry’s father, like many the father of teenage progeny, complains that his son stays up too late and sleeps all day. “That boy’s lazy!”. In fact, he’s the very model of anyone’s teenage son, and illustrator Sean Cassidy is particularly adept at conveying the traits of the breed–as well as barnyard life.
– The Globe & Mail
The vivid images and well-paced text make this a fun read-aloud.
– School Library Journal Reviews
Ms. Bee’s Magical Bookcase
My Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children Around the World
My School in the Rain Forest: How Children Attend School Around the World
No Dogs Allowed
On the Write Track!
The Power of Poems
Spectacular Spiders
Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey
Virtual Maniac: Silly & Serious Poems for Kids
Wake up, Henry Rooster!
