RUBY FINKELMAN FINDS THE REAL MAGIC

When one girl stops brushing her teeth, she sets into motion a series of events that lead to an entire community falling apart.

Welcome to Kvellville, a town filled with exemplary citizens who take good care of themselves and the world around them. One morning, young Ruby Finkelman declares that she’s done with her dental hygiene routine. A doctor, a dentist, and a rabbi are all called in to consult, but they fail to get Ruby to resume brushing. Disaster strikes as other kids follow Ruby’s example; their parents, tired of nagging them, stop doing their own chores, and Kvellville slips into disrepair. Fortunately, Ruby starts brushing again, discovers the power of serving her community, and averts disaster through her good deeds. Rife with Jewish and Yiddish expressions, King’s tale about the power of a single action is uplifting, if a bit heavy-handed. Kober’s bright and playful pastel illustrations lend a cheery aspect to the book. Tan-skinned Ruby heads up a cast diverse in terms of skin tone; several characters wear kippot. An author’s note explains the value of being a good person, known in Yiddish as a mensch. A glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew terms is included.

A cheerful tale about how one small change can make all the difference in the world.