Ruth Ann and the Green Blowster
by: Kathy Luder and Frances Beebe; Illustrated by Jeff Jackson
Published by: Brown Books Publishing Group
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Reviewed by Sabrina Williams
A story within a story, Ruth Ann and the Green Blowster is one of the most imaginative children’s books to surface in a long time. Ruth Ann is more than just the protagonist—she really exists. The story was originally written over eighty years ago for Ruth Ann deValley by Frances Beebe, her mother. Years later after both had passed on, Ruth Ann’s daughter, Kathy Luders, brought the forgotten story out of its cupboard drawer, dusted it off, edited and prepared it for publishing.
Perhaps the most poetic aspect of the book is that it centers on the death of Ruth Ann’s dog, Dukey Daddles, and his consequential visit into “High Country” (Heaven). Frances Beebe seems to be using the story to connect with her daughter and granddaughter from her own version of High Country.
The story begins on the day before Ruth Ann’s birthday, as she wanders around aimlessly, longing for Dukey Daddles’ company. She stumbles across a discarded whistle in the grass. To her astonishment, it begins talking to her! Much like the infamous Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, Whistle Stick needs a bit of grease to make his joints work again, and he enlists Ruth Ann’s aide in obtaining the magical salve. Thus begins the adventures of Ruth Ann as she takes on a new companion, discovers the monstrous Green Blowster hidden deep in the forest, and travels to High Country to find Dukey Daddles. The pair encounters a vast array of characters, each lending a unique hand in the search for Ruth Ann’s lost dog.
The simplicity of the time period is evident in the writing, with interactions between humans kept at a minimum and a rare connection to nature permeating the pages. Perhaps this is what allows Beebe’s creativity to flow freely with truly inventive characters. It is regretful that Beebe was not a published author while she lived, as she surely would have made some valuable contributions to children’s literature.
Armchair Interviews says: Ruth Ann and the Green Blowster is a heart-warming story that revives the wonder of childhood.
Author’s Web site: http://www.RuthAnnsDaughter.com
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