Ruby: The Painting Pachyderm of the Phoenix Zoo - Hardcover

George, Dick

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385321007 ISBN 13: 9780385321006

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1995

Synopsis

Text and photographs record the remarkable accomplishments of an Asian elephant named Ruby, her remarkable history, and her remarkable relationship with a shy young elephant keeper.

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Reviews

Grade 4-6?The story of an elephant named Ruby and her life at the Phoenix Zoo, where she creates paintings (with a brush on canvas) that are displayed around the country. An introductory section describes her artistic activities; George then provides chronological coverage of her years at the zoo and concludes with a more complete and focused discussion of her painting and its significance. Readers learn how her trainers noticed her interest in making marks in the dirt with her trunk and encouraged her to paint, being careful not to exploit her "talent." Her behavior is being studied to determine whether or not elephants can distinguish colors. Interaction and bonding between Ruby and her various trainers are discussed. General information is strewn throughout the text, including facts about elephant behavior and physical needs. While these facts and events are important, they interrupt the flow of the story at times, resulting in a rather uneven presentation. Full-color and black-and-white photographs of the subject and some of her artwork accompany the text. Students researching pachyderms will not find information easy to locate, but the book will appeal to children who are interested in interactions between animals and humans, particularly those who enjoyed Francine Patterson's Koko's Kitten (Scholastic, 1985) and Cathryn Hilker's A Cheetah Named Angel (Watts, 1992).?Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 3^-5, younger for reading aloud. George recounts the story of Ruby, an Asian elephant that expresses herself through painting. When brought to the Phoenix Zoo in 1974, she was at first very undisciplined, but through the efforts of several skilled trainers, she has become a happy and cooperative resident. The author emphasizes the important role that zoos play in providing safe environments for endangered species. He also explains that the training of animals the size of Ruby is necessary to ensure safe interaction with human keepers--providing entertainment for zoo visitors is only secondary. Numerous clear photographs, some in color, portray Ruby engaging in various activities and help make this an appealing choice for animal lovers. Kay Weisman

Edition details

• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0385321007
• ISBN 13: 9780385321006
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48