The book was very cute and entertaining to share with my toddler. There were lots of opportunities to elaborate on the story and they loved the pictures.

Before I launch into my review, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mike King, The Collective Book Studio, and Netgalley for the Advanced Digital Reader Copy of this title. For anyone with their eye on this title, here is my personal review of the book to help you decide whether you are interested or not. All opinions offered are my own.

I loved how this book tied in with Jewish culture. From my experience, Jewish Communities tend to keep to themselves. This was a lovely simple welcome to some of their words and thoughts.

I liked that it delivered the message about how self care and hygiene can be linked to other signs of respect and thoughtfulness. I also liked that it explained why teeth brushing was required and the problems that could be incurred if the routine is dropped.

Well illustrated, well written, and overall, very well thought out. This is a fun read for young children.

Ruby Finkelman Finds the Real Magic by Mike King is a charming and engaging book for elementary-age children that explores themes of responsibility and integrity in a way that’s both accessible and entertaining. When Ruby Finkelman decides to stop brushing her teeth, a seemingly small choice spirals into unexpectedly big consequences for her community. I loved watching Ruby’s journey unfold and the thoughtful lessons woven into her story. While this book beautifully celebrates Jewish values—complete with wonderful Yiddish terminology—it’s a meaningful and delightful read for all families looking to teach their children about accountability and doing what’s right.

I loved this book! And so did my 3yo daughter.

Ruby Finkelman decides to stop doing one thing that is right, brushing her teeth! She didn’t know her decisions would affect everyone in their small village. This is a great story of how one change can lead to one more and then one more and so on. I loved the message and I love the actual Jewish glossary in the back of the book. I can’t promise I pronounced every word correctly, but I really enjoyed learning their meanings. I highly recommend to families. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy

I loved this charming story and the darling illustrations that accompany it. This book shares a very powerful message that all children should learn from an early age. If you have a child in your life, I highly recommend that you read them this special book!

Loved it. Don't be afraid to break from your normal and try something different even if you later realize the why behind it, it probably makes doing said task more understandable. Good book and illustrations!

This book follows a strong willed girl named Ruby and it starts with one small task of her not brushing her teeth and doing what is right. This one small task spirals into more and more things and others who choose to not do the right things. Once Ruby realizes her wrong doings and starts doing what it right, others follow and they make life better for all of us. This book has a great message, but there are Yiddish words sprinkled throughout that I had to look up (glossary in the back of the book).

Thank you to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book will be published on May 6, 2025!

This was a cute book but we are not Jewish and I did not realize how much this was interlaced with the story. There were words that we did not understand, know if we were pronouncing correctly.

That being said, there was a lesson to be learned and that is always a plus. The illustrations were bright, colorful, and my children enjoyed them.

This was just not one for us.

Thank you NetGalley, Mike King, and The Collective Book Studio.

Ruby, you are a spunky kid and i love it, This was a fun read, i think children will enjoy this book. The illustration is beautiful

Such tiny actions can have such big consequences! That's the moral of the story here, but it's told with vibrant illustrations and the infusion of Yiddish and other tidbits of Jewish culture. Absolutely adorable and the perfect addition to your bedtime-story rotation.

Ruby Finkelman Finds the Real Magic was a very cute read with a nice moral about doing the right thing. Jewish (and non-Jewish) readers will likely enjoy the Yiddish sprinkled within the book, both in the geographical names and in the character dialogue. Very cute cook, would recommend.

Unfortunately this book was a no for me! I found there was nothing that captivated me in early to the story. While I did love the rectifying of actions towards the end, I felt it was too drawn out for me.

Thank you for the ARC. I appreciate the chance to review.

What a sweet book with a sweet message!
When Ruby decides brushing her teeth is a mere nuisance and waste of time, the story begins. This will, undoubtedly, appeal to many young readers who will immediately identify with Ruby's position, as did her many friends in the book. When everyone chimes in with the same behavior, kids will delight in the consequences until they stop being so happy about it.
It's a book with a great message, one that should instill a sense of teamwork, diligence and numerous other good behaviors. Fun read!

I adored this book! Ruby lives in Kvellville, a magical town full of Yiddishkeit, where everyone is a mensch. But when Ruby decides she no longer wants to brush her teeth, the other children follow suit, and the town transforms into a dirty, messy place that the neighboring villages begin calling "Schmutzville." I loved all the Yiddish and the depictions of a diverse Jewish community in the illustrations. Plus, the illustrations were very cute! Such a sweet little book. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute little story about a girl who doesn’t want to do important tasks, influences her friends to stop doing important tasks, and then watches the consequences. The illustrations were beautiful.

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really cute book. The pictures are adorable!