Books like 'The One and Only Ruby'
Readers who enjoyed The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy animals family friendship children realistic grief sad anthropomorphism
-
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsSchool is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary... -
![Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by Kobi Yamada]()
Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by Kobi Yamada
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou are the only you there ever has been or ever will be. You are unique in all the universe. Just the odds of you being here at this exact place and this exact time are so great and so rare that it will never happen again... -
![Rising Storm by Erin Hunter]()
Rising Storm by Erin Hunter
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsFireheart's traitorous enemy Tigerclaw has been vanquished and exiled from Thunder Clan -- but Fireheart can't shake the feeling that he's lurking in the forest, waiting for his chance to strike... -
![A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron]()
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsThis is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age family friendship outdoors realistic -
-
![The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao]()
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIvan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog... -
![A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron]()
A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe direct sequel to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling A Dog's Purpose.Buddy is a good dog.After searching for his purpose through several eventful lives, Buddy is sure that he has found and fulfilled it. Yet as he watches curious baby Clarity get into dangerous mischief, he is certain that this little girl is very much in need of a dog of her own... -
![Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker]()
Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes the long-awaited sequel to Pax ; this is a gorgeously crafted, utterly compelling novel about chosen families and the healing power of love. A New York Times bestseller! It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives... -
![The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems]()
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsHe really, really, REALLY wants one. He'll take really good care of it! What's the matter--don't you want him to be happy?The latest book in the best-selling Pigeon series is the funniest one yet... -
![Si llevas un raton a la escuela by Laura Joffe Numeroff]()
Si llevas un raton a la escuela by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe Barnes & Noble ReviewBringing a plucky mouse to school isn't the wisest idea, no matter how much fun it might seem. Thankfully, the bestselling duo of author Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond -- creators of If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie -- have teamed up to show us the hijinks a whiskered school guest could cause... -
![Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes]()
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 49 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age family friendship realistic xenofiction -
![Stella by McCall Hoyle]()
Stella by McCall Hoyle
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSTELLA has been nominated for 14 state awards in FL, ME, NE, NM, OK, PA, KY, KS, LA, AL, MA, SC & TX!"This empathetic read is also full of important themes and lessons for young readers bravery, how to overcome fears, and that mistakes don't have to define us... -
![October, October by Katya Balen]()
October, October by Katya Balen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA classic in the making for anyone who ever longed to be WILD.October and her dad live in the woods. They sleep in the house Dad built for them and eat the food they grow in the vegetable patches. They know the trees and the rocks and the lake and stars like best friends. They read the books they buy in town again and again until the pages are soft and yellow - until next year's town visit... -
![If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff]()
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsA hungry little mouse appears on the doorstep. What can you do but give him a cookie? But then he will ask for a glass of milk, and when he’s finished it he’ll have to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn’t have a milky face. Of course, he’ll then want a pair of scissors to trim his hair...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction 20th-century action-adventure -
![Corduroy by Don Freeman]()
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsHave you ever dreamed of being locked in a department store at night? The endearing story of Corduroy paints a picture of the adventures that might unfold (for a teddy bear at least) in such a situation. When all the shoppers have gone home for the night, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missing button...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age family friendship xenofiction 20th-century -
-
![Wishtree by Katherine Applegate]()
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsACE 1250043220 (ISBN13: 9781250043221)Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this "wishtree" watches over the neighborhood... -
![Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin]()
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 61 ratingsFarmer Brown has a problem.His cows like to type.All day long he hearsClick, clack, MOO.Click, clack, MOO.Clickety, clack, MOO.But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes....Doreen Cronin's understated text and Betsy Lewin's expressive illustrations make the most of this hilarious situation...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell]()
The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDesperate to become a shark caller to avenge the death of her parents, Blue Wing is instead charged with befriending infuriating newcomer Maple. At first they are angry and out of sync with the island and each other... -
![Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel]()
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsFrog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel]()
Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsOne summer day Toad was un- happy. He had lost the white, four- holed, big, round, thick button from his jacket. Who helped him look for it? His best friend, Frog. Another day, Frog was unhappy. He was sick in bed and looking green. Who gave him some tea and told him a story? His best friend, Toad...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood]()
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsLittle Mouse worries that the big hungry bear will take his freshly picked, ripe, red strawberry for himself and finds a very good way to keep it safe...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Thea Stilton and the Legend of the Fire Flowers by Thea Stilton]()
Thea Stilton and the Legend of the Fire Flowers by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters in this adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are in Hawaii to compete in an international hula festival. The mouselets are having a great time -- until they learn that the festival is located on the side of a volcano that is about to erupt! No one else seems know about the danger...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
![Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt]()
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsScaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Owen by Kevin Henkes]()
Owen by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratings“Fuzzy goes where I go.”Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age family friendship realistic xenofiction -
![Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester]()
Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIn this lighthearted moral tale, an unlikely hero defeats a school bully and is finally celebrated by his classmates for his secret super power: his speech impediment. Poor Rodney Rat can't pronounce his R's and the other rodents tease him mercilessly...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age friendship realistic xenofiction book -
-
![Stellaluna by Janell Cannon]()
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsStellaluna is the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years... -
![Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, Tim Bowers]()
Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, Tim Bowers
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWith his bowl to himself, Goldfish loves his life...until one day... A personal account from a goldfish on life in his bowl as other intruders crowd him... -
![The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers]()
The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe illustrated story of a dog who unwittingly becomes a hero to a park full of animals.Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison...Categorized as:
animals outdoors friendship children anthropomorphism xenofiction middle-grade fiction -
![Charlotte's Web by E.B. White]()
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 87 ratingsA gorgeous full-colour large format edition of Charlotte's Web, one of the best-loved animal stories of our time.The unforgettable story of a girl called Fern who loves a little pig called Wilbur. It tells how Charlotte A...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children coming-of-age family friendship outdoors realistic -
![If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Joffe Numeroff]()
If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 26 ratings"If you give a pig a party, she's going to ask for some balloons..." If you give a pig a party, she's going to ask for some balloons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she'll put on her favorite dress. Then she'll call all her friends—Mouse, Moose, and more... -
![The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo]()
The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFull of humor and heartbreak, this story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world is perfect for fans of Alex Gino and Kyle Lukoff.It’s exhausting trying to be the perfect daughter. Still, getting good grades without making any waves may be the only way to distract from the fact that Sparrow Malone’s mother is on the verge of falling apart. Which means no getting upset...Categorized as:
children realistic friendship family coming-of-age middle-grade lgbtq mental-illness -
![Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann]()
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsOfficer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone else in Napville, but his dull presentations put his audiences to sleep. Enter Gloria, Napville's new police dog. Gloria knows just how to liven up the safety speeches--as long as Officer Buckle's back is turned! Full color...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship realistic xenofiction action-adventure -
![Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner]()
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsHere is the book that launched a thousand chimichangoes - the first in the best-selling series about the rambunctious Skippyjon Jones, the Siamese kitty boy with the overactive imagination. He would rather be El Skippito, the great sword fighter, who can do anything. Like saving a roving band of Mexican Chihuahuas from a humongous bumblebeeto that is tormenting them...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson]()
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsOne by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae]()
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsGerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance," they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance. But with some sound advice from a wise cricket, Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
-
![If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond]()
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsMoose makes his debut in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series! This oversize (15- x 17-inch) big book edition is the perfect size for sharing in a classroom.If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship xenofiction action-adventure book -
![Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss]()
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family friendship outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey]()
All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA middle-grade novel about a young girl navigating the foster care system in search of where she belongs.Red’s inexplicable power over the wind comes from her mother. Whenever Ruby “Red” Byrd is scared or angry, the wind picks up. And being placed in foster care, moving from family to family, tends to keep her skies stormy. Red knows she has to learn to control it, but can’t figure out how... -
![A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni]()
A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsElephants are gray. Pigs are pink. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger! Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship outdoors xenofiction book children-books -
![A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin]()
A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMy name is Squirrel. I was born in a wheelbarrow.There were five of us puppies in the beginning, but only my brother and I survived. So we set off on our own to see the world.Life as a stray has been hard - but filled with adventure!I've been adopted and I've been abandoned. I lost my brother, but found new friends. I've been in scrapes, but I always survived.This is the story of my life... -
![The Mixed Up Chameleon by Eric Carle]()
The Mixed Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe chameleon's life was not very exciting until the day it discovered it could change not only its color but its shape and size,too. When it saw the wonderful animals in the zoo, it immediately wanted to be like them -- and ended up likeall of them at once -- with hilarious results...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children outdoors xenofiction 20th-century book children-books -
![The Rainbow Fish Mini-Book by Marcus Pfister]()
The Rainbow Fish Mini-Book by Marcus Pfister
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsA glittering stocking stuffer that will add sparkle to any child's Christmas Marcus Pfister's international bestseller has been specially packaged for holiday giving in an attractive mini-book edition. The book contains the complete text of the original hardcover edition along with the eye-catching holographic foil stamping that has captivated Rainbow Fish's millions of fans... -
![Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin]()
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
![The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate]()
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family...Categorized as:
animals children friendship family anthropomorphism realistic xenofiction middle-grade -
![Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney]()
Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeing a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anything?but suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphrey's world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball... -
-
![Toby Alone by Timothée de Fombelle]()
Toby Alone by Timothée de Fombelle
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTranslated into twenty-two languages.Toby Lolness may be just one and a half millimeters tall, but he’s the most wanted person in his world — the world of the great oak Tree. Toby’s father has made a groundbreaking discovery: the Tree itself is alive, lowing with vital energy, and there may even be a world beyond it... -
![A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker]()
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsCheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship.Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse -- small and gray and bright-eyed... -
![Olivia by Ian Falconer]()
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOlivia is a gorgeous little pig who likes to dress up, sing songs, dance, think, snooze and is even quite good at building sandcastles. At the end of the day, when she snuggles up in bed and her mother reads her a story (or three), Olivia feels very full of love. Ages 3+...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children family realistic xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan]()
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
![Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes]()
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe riotously funny Lilly, last seen in Chester's Way (Greenwillow), thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is disgusting -- if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world."Julius is the baby of the world," said his parents. But Lilly, his older sister, disagreed... -
![Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin]()
Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsFarmer Brown is going on vacation. He asks his brother, Bob, to take care of the animals. "But keep an eye on Duck. He's trouble." Bob follows the instructions in Farmer Brown's notes exactly. He orders pizza with anchovies for the hens, bathes the pigs with bubble bath, and lets the cows choose a movie. Is that giggling he hears? Giggle, giggle, quack, giggle, moo, giggle, oink..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children friendship xenofiction book children-books contemporary
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
