Ruby's mom told her that she has a special and unique gift, and this charming river otter decides that she is going to go hunt for it! But it is not so easily found!
Ruby's adventure begins with her playing, while wearing a special key around her neck. However, soon she accidentally finds a lucky Penny that changes everything!
When a stinky skunk invites herself along for the journey, Ruby learns that clues to her unique gift may be hiding in the most unlikely places. Although Ruby is not quite sure about the skunk joining her on this quest, she soon realizes that they both have something to teach each other.
Ruby explains that we each have a special and unique gift, just waiting to be found! She demonstrates that the talents, skills, or abilities that we keep in our heart, bring us joy. These gifts are much greater than any object. Ruby further teaches that once we find our gift, we should offer it to the world. Meanwhile, the skunk suggests for Ruby to find her inner voice, but, like her gift, it is not so easy to find.
In Ruby the River Otter Finds a Lucky Penny, Thersa Mallinger has created a whimsical adventure that will surely fire up young imaginations and spark curiosity. On this witty and light-hearted journey, two friends discover that by sitting quietly, you will hear your own heart voice, and by listening to it, you will indeed find the path to your special and unique gift. They encourage each other to follow their own hearts, and not those of others, even if it means creating their own path. Ruby becomes an inspiration for others around her to do the same, and there is a sparkling surprise that children will delight in discovering!
Caregivers, teachers, and parents will want to include this book in their libraries as a way to encourage children's personal confidence in their own pursuits to joy, purpose, and self-discovery. This story will also make a wonderful graduation gift for students of all ages.
About the Author: Thersa Mallinger lives with her husband, three boys, and her hyper active dog in Chico, California. A majority of her time is spent with her family out in nature, digging up worms in the garden, collecting acorns in the park, chasing squirrels up trees, and splashing in the puddles. Thersa's family has taught her the magic of play, and when she is not covered in mud, she enjoys telling her boys stories that teach them that the heart is the true center. Thersa has a multiple subject teaching credential, as well as a BA in liberal studies with an emphasis in English and child development. Her combination of experience teaching middle school language arts and kindergarten, as well as her training in the Montessori methods and theories make her the ideal author of stories encouraging self-exploration and discovery through creativity.
