Publisher Description

Patch the pony is lonely. He has fun with his young owner, Sam, and the other farm animals are friendly, but sometimes it feels as if he still doesn't quite fit in. Then one day Sam has an idea and something happens that changes Patch's life forever. Patch and Ruby is a wonderful, often very funny tale about friendship and finding out where you belong.

Author Biography

Anouska Jones is a publisher, editor, book reviewer and writer. She is the Publisher for Exisle Publishing and EK Books, and is the Senior Editor of children's literature website Kids' Book Review. She lives on her rural property with her husband and daughter, three horses, six chickens, one dog, one cat and one budgie. Gwynneth Jones drew all through her maths book at school, so left to study art at TAFE and then majored in Plant and Wildlife Illustration at the University of Newcastle. Since then, Gwynneth has been imagining and drawing madly, exhibiting and holding market stalls, and creating picture books.

Review

"A story to warm the hearts of young children while they enjoy the entertaining illustrations by Gwynneth Jones. Another delightful book from EK Books" * School Days *
"Jones's narrative is warm and restrained enough to sustain short attention spans whilst the illustrations excite the tactile senses and illicit quite a bit of cheeky humour. Keep an eye out for the chook in rollers. So clever." * Boomerang Books Blog *
"This book is ideal to use as a starting point to discuss with kids what friendship means and the different types of friends. It's a beautifully illustrated book by Gwynneth Jones who brings the characters to life especially the gossiping hens." * The Mummy Project *
"Patch and Ruby is a heartfelt metaphor about everyone's yearning for a soul mate and the inevitable obstacles along the way. While younger children will embrace the humour and quirkiness of gossiping poultry and tiny guardians of the veggie patch, the deeper tale of finding someone to call home resonates on every page." * Kids' Book Review *
"With a gently sweet story and engaging illustrations, you and your readers will want to make friends with Patch and Ruby." * NC Teacher Stuff *
"Patch and Ruby is a cute picture book story about friendship, difference and belonging, filled with bold illustrations of farm life which youngsters, especially those with a passion for horses, will love." * Aussie Reviews *
"Children will be able to identify with Sam and perhaps feel empowered by her solution to Patch's loneliness. The theme of not fitting in and finding a friend who 'gets you' will resonate with young readers" * Reading Time *
"this gentle picture book is a celebration of friendship...in particular, finding a friend who fits just right. With its loveable farmyard animals and positive message it will appeal to from ages 3-6." -- Sandy Fussell * BOOK: Patch and Ruby *
"This is a sweet look at friendship, the need to belong, and the improvement a good friend can bring to your life." -- Dena * Book Roundup, Picture Books *

Long Description

Patch the pony is lonely. He has fun with his young owner, Sam, and the other farm animals are friendly, but sometimes it feels as if he still doesn't quite fit in. Then one day Sam has an idea and something happens that changes Patch's life forever. Patch and Ruby is a wonderful, often very funny tale about friendship and finding out where you belong.

Review Quote

"This is a sweet look at friendship, the need to belong, and the improvement a good friend can bring to your life."

Feature

Patch the pony is lonely, but one day something happens that changes his life forever. A wonderful tale about friendship and finding out where you belong.

Excerpt from Book

Patch was lonely. It wasn't that he didn't have friends. He did. But sometimes he felt like he didn't quite fit in.

Description for Sales People

The perfect gift for kids who love ponies. A gently humorous story about friendship and belonging that will appeal to any young child who feels they haven't quite found their niche yet. A talented new author teams up with the illustrator of the highly successful Don't Think About Purple Elephants . One of three books in the Sugar and Spice series (also available as a boxed set) -- picture books that provide a contemporary twist on classic themes. (The other titles are Dance with Me and The Great Sock Secret , all illustrated by Gwynneth Jones.)

Description for Press or Other Media

Patch the pony is lonely. He has fun with his young owner, Sam, and the other farm animals are friendly, but sometimes it feels as if he still doesn't quite fit in. Then one day Sam has an idea and something happens that changes Patch's life forever. Patch and Ruby is a wonderful, often very funny tale about friendship and finding out where you belong.

Details