Author: Shirin Yim Bridges
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Most of us recognized yesterday as Valentine’s Day, but it was also the first day of the Chinese New Year. In celebration, this month’s book review focuses on Ruby’s Wish, an endearing story of the Chinese New Year that provides wonderful insights into Chinese culture and particular customs. It’s a must read to children everywhere.

The main character in Ruby’s Wish is a little girl named Ruby who defies all of the social norms for typical Chinese girls. She has a wealthy grandfather who hires a tutor for all of his grandchildren, which means that Ruby is able to be educated, though the story takes place in a time in Chinese history when girls were taught to cook and keep house, not to receive a formal education.

Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to grow up and go to University. This is Ruby’s wish, and she displays the determination and hard work needed to make her wish come true.

Follow along as Ruby celebrates Chinese New Year visiting the homes of many of her family members, ending at the home of her grandfather. She bows before him: “Good luck and prosperity, Grandfather.”

“Good luck, little Ruby,” replies her grandfather as he hands her a very fat red packet. Instead of containing money as Ruby expects, the packet contains a letter from a university saying they would be happy to accept Ruby as one of their very first female students. Her hard work paid off!

Ruby’s Wish is such a warm and heartfelt story—especially when you learn that Ruby happens to be the author’s grandmother and that this is a true story! Start the Year of the Tiger off with this remarkably inspiring story. Gung hay fat choy!