Ruby Maps Her World

A STEM-focused picture book about Ruby, a curious child who is eager to map the world around her, by beloved children’s book author Jane Yolen, recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen medal.

It’s Ruby’s first time drawing a map all by herself. She eagerly grabs her journal and markers and heads outside with her mama close behind. Down the street, under the railroad bridge, and through the park—her mapping has begun. With each step, Ruby draws key elements of her route, carefully adding details as she goes: bikers on the trail, birds in the sky, deer in the meadow. By the end of her special day, Ruby’s map is bursting with interesting observations.

This thoughtful picture book introduces the concept of mapping. It spotlights how a child’s daily life is filled with small maps—whether inside or outside, on the sidewalk or in the park—and reinforces how those maps help us tell our stories.