Ruby’s Sword《露比的剑》

Deborah Hopkinson

Author Jacqueline Véissids debut1 picture book Rubys Sword is the kind of simple family story. But with its resolute2 young heroine and Argentinean artist Paola Zakimis gorgeous illustrations， this is a perfect example of a book young readers will want to curl up with and read again and again.

The book shows little sister Ruby wading through tall grass as she tries to catch up with her two older brothers. When Ruby flops down to rest on her own， the wind blows her way and reveals something special—sticks in the shapes of swords. In Rubys hand， her “sword” vanquishes3 a fearsome dragon. But fighting dragons is best with companions， and the generous Ruby races to grant swords to her siblings. Sadly， her gift is not at first appreciated. But soon， the magical world she begins to create becomes irresistible4， and her two brothers return to join in. Together， the three children work to build a magnificent castle from the simplest of materials： a sheet from the clothesline， sticks， rocks and flowers.

Rubys Sword is a reminder of the importance of imaginative and collaborative5 play for young children. Dont worry. When youre fighting dragons， sometimes all you need is the corner of a backyard.

作者杰奎琳·維斯德的第一本图画书《露比的剑》是一个简单的家庭故事。但凭借其坚定的年轻女主人公以及阿根廷艺术家葆拉·扎基米的华丽插图，这是一本年轻读者想要反复阅读的书的完美范例。

该书中，妹妹露比在深深的草丛中穿行，想要追上她的两个哥哥。当露比坐在地上独自休息时，风吹向她，并揭露出一些特殊的东西——剑形的木棍。露比手中的“剑”打败了一条可怕的龙。但是与龙战斗时最好和同伴在一起，慷慨的露比快速地为她的哥哥们准备好剑。令人沮丧的是，她的礼物一开始并不受欢迎。但很快，她开始创造的魔法世界就变得令人无法抗拒，她的两个哥哥也回来加入了她。三个孩子一起用最简单的材料——晾衣绳上的一张床单、树枝、石头和鲜花，建造了一座宏伟的城堡。

《露比的剑》提醒我们，对于孩子来说，富有想象力和协作性的游戏是非常重要的。别担心。当你与龙战斗时，有时你所需要的只是后院的一角。

武汉光谷五小 陈佳  选译