The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Appplegate - ADVISABLE

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate . 240 pages. HarperCollins. 2023. $20. Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (elephant death, poaching, violence against elephants - not graphic but the themes and stories are there).  BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE  AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  Young Ruby is the youngest elephant of her herd at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Her tusks are starting to grow, and she's worried about the coming-of-age ceremony her "aunts" are having for her called her Tuskday. So, she finally shares her memories of her life in Africa with Ivan and Bob.  I have loved this series and The One and Only Ruby is no exception. I loved that she worried about growing up. The connections she made with other elephants, humans, and even Ivan and Bob felt genuine and heartfelt. There are some sad parts, and Applegate counters them beautifully with her skillful writing and storytelling. An advisable purchase as a stand-alone, but as a set, a must-buy if you have the other two.   Lisa Librarian