I honestly don't know how I should react to this book. True, this is the advanced copy and maybe the mise-en-place and typing are not taken to consideration much. But this is quite crude. I usually enjoyed this kind of book, but in my opinion, kids won't understand much of it, as I was.

The girl is so distracted while trying to find her donkey and cat. Instead of finding them, she starts to give away her clothing to people in need. For her kindness, she was blessed with unexpected presents.

Setting: Christmas time, Cripple Creek, Colorado, and the year is 1896.

Ruby May Oliver and her beloved donkey Maude are on a mission to find Maude's foal Willie which has mysteriously disappeared. They search all over trying to locate him and along their journey they encounter four people in dire need. Ruby's heart goes out to them and she discovers that she can fulfill those needs and does so without hesitation. The recipients are very grateful for Ruby's tenderness and deep compassion towards them.

This heartwarming story is enhanced by beautiful life-like illustrations that transport the reader into the narrative so perfectly. This book makes an enjoyable one to share as it is read aloud and is great for independent readers at the grade 2-4 level. "Ruby's Christmas Gifts " is part of the award-winning "Ruby and Maude Adventures Series", which I highly recommend. Ruby learns first hand that caring and giving is what Christmas is all about. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Ruby's Christmas Gifts is a really lovely Christmas story for children about a girl called Ruby who sets out to find her Donkeys baby and parts with things she owns despite being in need of them herself and not having much herself either.
The illustrations in this book are lovely and rustic and I love the message this story conveys to children about helping those less fortunate.

I have never read any of the books about how young Ruby gains her menagerie of animals while living with her widowed father in a late 19th mining town, but I got the chance to read this short Christmas addition to the series. The illustrations have a charming “old fashioned” feel and look to them and the story is simple to follow. As Ruby and Maude search for foal Willy (aka for Willful), Ruby learns that even with little money, she can give gifts and help others. One thing that did bother me was that some of the people Ruby gave to didn’t even bother to say “thanks” to her. But important lessons, about how you don’t have to give expensive or elaborate things, can be learned. Giving from the heart to address the need you see others have is just as important. B-

Lovely story that shows in the actions of the main character, the true meaning of being a good person, that to give is better than to receive, especially when you do not have much. A message that is golden for Christmas and all the rest of the year. The illustrations are beautifully drawn.

I want to thank NetGalley and Filter Press for giving me the opportunity to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

This was a good Christmas story about finding the meaning of Christmas by finding a lost donkey. The story and illustrations were easy to follow. The illustrations were beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.

Ruby’s Christmas Gifts by Nancy Oswald is a great little Christmas book for children. I think children will love the beautiful illustrations. Read and reviewed on the NetGalley shelf.

Ruby’s Christmas Gifts is a precious book with a lot of heart. The main character, Ruby, wants to relax and look at the stars on a Christmas Eve night, but her frisky donkey decides to escape. Her bothersome chase ends up being a blessing in disguise, as she helps people in town with various needs. In the end, Ruby is surprised herself with a special gift.
The setting is based in the late 1800s, and gave the warm feel of an old time Christmas.
This book will help children learn the importance of giving selflessly and the blessing you get from sharing. A great book to read with your child during the season!
(I was given an ARC from the publisher. Thank you Filter Press! The review is my own)
#rubyschristmasgifts
#netgalley
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A beautiful story with a beautiful message for children (and grown ups too), about the importance of sharing, especially during Holidays. It also has beautiful illustrations like the all Christmas's tales. Perfect to read during Christmas with the family!

I’m going to be honest I really just didn’t care for this book. I really didn’t like how we were jumping back and forth between giving gifts and finding the foal and then we also switched to the grandparents and a Nativity Play. I kind of just wish they would’ve picked one or the other.

It seemed as if the big idea was about giving others gifts and the true meaning of Christmas but it just didn’t seem like that when reading. Ruby helping others would be brought up but then would immediately switch back to finding the donkey with no reflection on the gift-giving. It just felt like there was supposed to be a message but I didn’t really see one.

I also didn’t enjoy the illustrations in this book but that could just be personal taste.

I just don’t think this was the book for me but I’m sure there are people that would enjoy it.

Ruby's Christmas Gifts by Nancy Oswald is a delightful little book to pick up this holiday season.

To begin with, the beautiful imagery of the snowflake in gloves is GORGEOUS and we haven't even started the meat of the book yet.

Ruby is stargazing when she is suddenly interrupted. She needs to help train her donkey, Willy, how to use a halter. Along the way, Ruby must learn to share her gifts with the townsfolk.

This was honestly one of the most random Christmas stories I have ever read, but I thought it was adorable. It was a fun, little read with funky pictures. I think it's a great way to help get into the Christmas spirit. It also has one of the greatest messages of the holiday season.

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Filter Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

This is a nice little Christmas book. I like the message it shows children, of sharing the gifts you have. I really love the two donkeys in the story.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.

So-so look at a young girl who still has it within her to be charitable with her time and possessions, even if it Christmas Eve, and even if she's actually supposed to be hunting her donkey's baby. It's the kind of worthy, well-intended story, but there's little real pay-off, even if the girl doesn't exactly lose out in the long run. From the first spread I was a little surprised to find it was set in ye olden times, when I thought it was just rural. At least the artworks are pretty good indeed, which helps offset some of the wordy, plain aspects of the script. Worth a look, but I doubt it's destined to become a seasonal classic.

This was a very cute Christmas story! I love how Ruby as kind to all those people, and gave them things even though she had so little. :)

I received a copy of this book from its publisher on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Filter Press for my copy of Ruby's Christmas Gifts by Nancy Oswald. It published October 1, 2019.
I had the help of three elementary school aged children for the reading of this book. First off, the illustrations were so beautiful and captivating. Very artistic.
We enjoyed the story and the uniqueness of it, and how all things lead to and point to Jesus in this story!
This would make a great Holiday gift for any child who enjoys picture books, or even for a grandparent/parent/aunt/uncle who likes to have picture books on hand!