When Ruby moves to a new town, she hopes to make new friends and feel right at home. On her first afternoon at the playground, unkind words leave her feeling sad, but not alone. Ruby the Readhead: From Hurt Feelings to Happy Hearts is a heartwarming story about Ruby and her journey of overcoming bullying with the help of her friends and loyal companion, Rusty. It beautifully illustrates the importance of kindness, standing up for oneself, and how compassion can soften even the hardest of hearts. Ruby's new friends, Bergan and Raffy, show that people can change for the better when they are encouraged to embrace kindness. Ruby the Redhead is an excellent resource for teachers, counselors, and families who want to open conversations about kindness, confidence, and treating others with respect. " Ruby the Redhead is a delightful story about how to navigate bullies. Kim's carefully crafted storyline empowers readers to stand up to bullies, and to create kindness in a world where kindness is often forgotten. I highly recommend it!" -- Nicole Chase, LCPC " Ruby the Redhead is a must-add to any elementary educator's classroom! With its vibrant illustrations and relatable context this book portrays the power of words, advocacy, and self-love. As educators and parents, the character traits of Ruby, Molly, and Wyatt are ones that we want all children to possess." -- Renee Knapp, LSW, MHRT/C, School Social Worker, Grades Pre-K - 2 "As a first-grade teacher, this is a welcome addition to my read-alouds. The book not only highlights how words can be a form of bullying but also shows the importance of friends standing up for each other and what a difference it can make! With its child-friendly language and beautiful illustrations, students will easily relate to the story as many have experienced this type of bullying. I highly recommend it for teachers and parents!" --Linda Cowperthwaite, Grade 1 Elementary Teacher