Ruby lives in the city and Grandpa lives in the country. They write to each other and share the events in their lives. Ruby tells about the flights of stairs in their apartment block and the sights of the city. Grampa tells Ruby about the naughty magpies that live in his old oak tree. Through the Magpie Song, the events of the story unravel - three magpies for Ruby the magpie girl, one for a heart-breaking goodbye and six for a wonderful surprise that will change Ruby's life forever.

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2006 by Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd .

Jim Coplestone studied Graphic Illustration at Exeter College of Art and completed an MA in Theatre Design. His rapport with children has led him to work as a primary school teacher, arts workshop leader and home-tutor and this is apparent in his lively ink pictures. He lives in Symondsbury, Dorset. Jim's books for Frances Lincoln are Noah's Bed, Animals Aboard, Seven for a Secret , A Walk in the Wild Woods and The No-No Bird. Around half of the Anholts' titles are illustrated by Catherine, including the Chimp and Zee serie