📖 Overview
Margriet Ruurs is a Canadian children's author and literacy advocate who has written over 40 books for young readers. Her work spans multiple genres including picture books, non-fiction, and educational resources.
Ruurs is particularly recognized for her award-winning book "Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey" (2016), which features artwork by Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr and tells the story of a family fleeing war. The book has been translated into multiple languages and earned critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of refugee experiences.
She frequently visits schools and libraries internationally to conduct writing workshops and promote literacy education. Her non-fiction works often focus on nature, environmental themes, and global cultures, reflecting her experiences living in different countries.
Ruurs' other notable works include "Emma's Eggs," "When We Go Camping," and "Families Around the World." She has received multiple awards including the Information Book Award and the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Ruurs' ability to address complex topics in child-accessible ways. Parents and teachers note the educational value of her books, particularly "Stepping Stones" and "Families Around the World."
What readers liked:
- Clear, engaging writing style for young audiences
- Cultural sensitivity and global perspectives
- Teaching opportunities from her non-fiction works
- Quality of illustrations and visual elements
- Age-appropriate handling of serious subjects
What readers disliked:
- Some find the text too simple for older children
- Price point of hardcover editions
- Limited availability of translations in certain markets
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- "Stepping Stones" - 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- "Families Around the World" - 4.1/5 (800+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Average 4.5/5 across titles
- Multiple titles receive high marks for classroom use
One teacher reviewer noted: "Her books open discussions about global awareness in ways children can grasp without oversimplifying complex issues."
📚 Books by Margriet Ruurs
Families Around the World - Photographs and text describe the daily lives of 14 different families across multiple countries and cultures.
School Days Around the World - Children from 13 different countries share their experiences of attending school in their respective regions.
My Librarian is a Camel - Documents how books are delivered to children in remote locations around the world using various transportation methods.
Emma's Eggs - Chronicles a young girl's experience raising chickens and selling their eggs at a farmers' market.
When We Go Camping - Details the activities and experiences of a family camping trip in the wilderness.
In My Backyard - Explores the various plants and animals that can be found in a typical backyard throughout the seasons.
The Elephant Keeper - Tells the story of a young boy in Zambia who helps care for orphaned elephants.
Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey - Depicts a Syrian family's journey to safety using stone artwork illustrations.
Bus to the Badlands - Follows a class field trip to the Canadian Badlands where students learn about dinosaur fossils.
Among the Trees: A Guided Journal - Combines nature photography with writing prompts focused on trees and forest environments.
School Days Around the World - Children from 13 different countries share their experiences of attending school in their respective regions.
My Librarian is a Camel - Documents how books are delivered to children in remote locations around the world using various transportation methods.
Emma's Eggs - Chronicles a young girl's experience raising chickens and selling their eggs at a farmers' market.
When We Go Camping - Details the activities and experiences of a family camping trip in the wilderness.
In My Backyard - Explores the various plants and animals that can be found in a typical backyard throughout the seasons.
The Elephant Keeper - Tells the story of a young boy in Zambia who helps care for orphaned elephants.
Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey - Depicts a Syrian family's journey to safety using stone artwork illustrations.
Bus to the Badlands - Follows a class field trip to the Canadian Badlands where students learn about dinosaur fossils.
Among the Trees: A Guided Journal - Combines nature photography with writing prompts focused on trees and forest environments.
👥 Similar authors
Eve Bunting writes picture books about social issues and cultural experiences, often focusing on immigration and family relationships. Like Ruurs, she creates stories that help children understand different perspectives and life circumstances.
Paul Owen Lewis specializes in Pacific Northwest Native American themes and creates detailed illustrations to accompany his stories. His work shares Ruurs' focus on cultural education and nature-based storytelling.
Allen Say writes and illustrates books about cross-cultural experiences and Japanese-American identity. His stories, like Ruurs', explore themes of home, belonging, and understanding different ways of life.
Jeanette Winter creates picture book biographies and stories about people from various cultures around the world. Her work combines cultural education with accessible storytelling for young readers, similar to Ruurs' approach.
Andrea Spalding writes books about Canadian nature, folklore, and cultural traditions. She shares Ruurs' connection to Canadian landscapes and commitment to helping children understand different cultures through story.
Paul Owen Lewis specializes in Pacific Northwest Native American themes and creates detailed illustrations to accompany his stories. His work shares Ruurs' focus on cultural education and nature-based storytelling.
Allen Say writes and illustrates books about cross-cultural experiences and Japanese-American identity. His stories, like Ruurs', explore themes of home, belonging, and understanding different ways of life.
Jeanette Winter creates picture book biographies and stories about people from various cultures around the world. Her work combines cultural education with accessible storytelling for young readers, similar to Ruurs' approach.
Andrea Spalding writes books about Canadian nature, folklore, and cultural traditions. She shares Ruurs' connection to Canadian landscapes and commitment to helping children understand different cultures through story.