Ruby Sings the Blues

Ruby’s loud voice exasperates everyone – well, everyone except two musicians who live on the floor below. They find it ‘awesome’ and when Ruby is shunned by her peers they offer to teach her to sing. They are entirely successful and Ruby and her voice become the toast of the neighbourhood. Simple, really.

Daly has had an illustrious career and his Not So Fast, Songololo must be among my all-time favourite picture books, but his style and output are very variable and this is a decidedly lightweight contribution. In a story that, to be properly effective, ought to generate some affection for the unfortunate but talented Ruby, there is nothing in Daly’s words or pictures to do this. Instead, his scratchy sketchy illustrations provoke dislike for all his characters. I am reminded of a similar story about another Ruby with a loud voice – that one was by Gareth Owen and written with a warmth that is entirely lacking from this wishy-washy tract.