Ruby and her mother remain in London during WWII, waiting for her father’s return, and when he finally comes home after the war, everything has changed. Ruby’s ruins are all around, not just in the rubble of the buildings she plays in with her mates but also in her own emotions as her relationship with her father must be rebuilt. With a richness of details in both the text and the realistic illustrations, Hughes has brought to life a particular time and place, and a particular little girl, showing a small moment of growth within a single character. (Ages 5–8)

From beloved British storyteller Shirley Hughes comes a touching tale of unconditional love as a family puts itself back together in postwar London.

Ruby and Mum cling to each other while they live through the terrifying London Blitz, waiting for Dad to come home from the war. Day after day they hope for his return — but when the moment to meet him at the station finally comes, Ruby hardly recognizes the tall man who steps off the train. He’s big and sunburned, and he doesn't seem to be as engaged as he once was. It’s easier to play outside in the wreckage of the bombings than to stay at home with a dad she doesn’t know anymore. But when Ruby hurts her knee in the ruins, there’s only one person who can rescue her and make her feel all right.