Ruby Flies

Ruby Flies is about Skippy and the spirited family of quail whose lives turn upside down when tragedy strikes, leaving the baby chicks full of questions, sadness, and confusion. The story follows the family's healing journey as Momma Quail discovers mindfulness and shares simple techniques with her chicks. The story provides needed tools for families to help young children understand and cope with traumatic life events. Sweet characters, simple heartfelt language, and beautiful illustrations, draw children into the story, allowing parents and adult caregivers to lead guided conversations about their personal experiences, while introducing children to the proven therapeutic techniques of mindfulness.

Inspired loosely by the author's personal tragedies, the quail chicks ask hard questions of their parents. "What does 'die' mean?" "Will I ever see my sister again?" As the story unfolds, the baby chicks (and the children being read the story) have their questions answered, heartaches acknowledged, and learn that feeling their emotions is a brave thing to do.

The author lived the stories she writes about. When she was a young mother, her two-year old daughter drowned. Through the pain of loss, she found courage. She went back to college and started to write . . . As the unearthed sorrow spilled onto the written page the cracks in her heart healed and Ruby Flies was born.

Ruby files will appeal to young readers and parents who are searching for support through the grieving process. You'll find that: Asking questions is important. Feeling your emotions is good. Life has no rules, no roadmap, or clues. And your heart knows the path to a happier you.