Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick

by Roz Rosenbluth, Maurie J. Manning (Illustrator)

Overview

David is worried about how zany classmate Ruben Plotnick will react when he meets Grandma Rosie, who often says and does unexpected things. This heartwarming story of senility and school-age embarrassment reveals the importance of looking beneath the surface to really get to know someone.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781962269261
Publisher:	Flashlight Press
Publication date:	06/10/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	6.75(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Roz Rosenbluth was the author of numerous children's books including Hungry Bear and Nettie's Spaghetti. Her fiction appeared in Cricket and Highlights magazines, and she was the winner of the 2000 Highlights magazine humor contest. She held editorial positions at Bantam Books and the National Education Association, and lived in New Rochelle, New York. Maurie J. Manning is the illustrator of many books, including The Aunts Go Marching, a 2004 IRA Notable Book and Scholastic Pick of the Month. She lives in Berkeley, California.

What People are Saying About This

Barbara Gruener

"[This book] waltzed into my heart and touched it in a way that no other children's book has."
—AcademicPlanet.com

Simms Taback

"All of us should get to know . . . Getting To Know Ruben Plotnick . . . . This is a story about real family values, compassion for others and how kids are often smarter than we think. Hats off to Ruben Plotnick!"
—author, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Editorial Reviews

"One thing I really love about Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick is that it reminded me of when I was a kid in school and I was gonna have friends over, and I would be nervous… sometimes we have really big worries, but we don’t need to have them." —Zach Braff, actor and filmmaker

From the Publisher

"A truly delightful story . . . a must have in school libraries."

Children's Literature

"A lovely book about friendship and seeing people as they really are. Kids will think it's terrific fun-but I warn you, parents, you just might get a little misty as you read. The best books do that to you."

MyShelf.com

"Charming... Ruben Plotnick is a young man that I wouldn't mind getting to know...lovely, filled with colorful illustrations that will make you smile."

Eclectic Homeschool Online

"A compassionate story about dealing with senility in those we love and of blossoming friendship."

Outlook Magazine of Women's League for Conservative Judaism

K-Gr 3-An engaging story about family, friendship, and the challenges of dementia. Ruben Plotnick is the cool kid everyone at school wants to know. He's funny and a little wacky, but he always knows the right answers. He's smart. For some unexplained reason, he decides to befriend David, asking to go to his house to do schoolwork. David is thrilled-and worried. His Grandma Rosie has become so unpredictable. Will she do something to embarrass him? What will The Plotnick think? David need not have worried. The Plotnick proves himself to be much more than a smart clown. He has grace and he has heart. He relates immediately to someone who dances to her own beat, displaying maturity and confidence far beyond his age. And he shows David how to be compassionate and remain true to himself. The digital illustrations add amusing background details to keep the story light. Although the plot is awkward at the beginning, the story has a very sweet conclusion. This is an excellent choice for a group read-aloud or to help a child deal with fears of family embarrassment.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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