Little Ruth Children's Collection
Special Charms

Every book in the Little Ruth Children’s Collection includes one or more special charms that represent the book’s key themes. These charms are based on real symbols thatinspired us while writing our stories. This page shows all the charms alongside the books that feature them and descriptions of the real-life symbols that served as inspiration.​

CHARM
HOW WE USE IT​​
REAL SYMBOL
CHARM

HOPE

CONFIDENCE

HOW WE USE IT​

We used the hope and confidence charms in First Day of School​ because they remind us to keep trying, even when things feel a little​ scary. If you try your best and believe in yourself, good things can​ happen! Ruth shows hope, confidence, kindness, and a big heart when she goes to school and finds new ways to make friends. Great job, Ruth!​

REAL SYMBOL​

ONYANKOPON ADOM NTIBIRIBIARA BEYE VIE
represents hope, providence, and faith. 
Source: Ghanaian Adinkra Symbol​

TABONO represents unity of purpose, strength,
confidence, and hard work to reach your goal.​
Source: Ghanaian Adinkra Symbol​

CHARM

SECOND CHANCES

HOW WE USE IT​

We chose the second chances charm because it reminds us how
important it is to forgive others and be kind, even when they hurt our feelings. Talking things out and working together can help make things better. Ruth forgave her sisters after they let her down, and together, Ruth, Abby, and Annie came up with a way to fix what happened. Great teamwork!

REAL SYMBOL​

MPATAPO is the knot of reconciliation. It represents a bond that​ commits people who have experienced a disagreement to a peaceful,​ harmonious reconciliation​
Source: Ghanaian Adinkra Symbol

PROBLEM SOLVING

We picked the problem-solving charm because it reminds us that smart thinking can help everyone. When we use our brains to find good solutions, we’re doing something really awesome—especially when it helps other people too! Grown-ups, like parents and teachers, often help us figure things out, just like Ruth’s mom did in the book. She helped Ruth, Abby, and Annie talk it out and solve the problem together.
We love you, Mom!

NYANSAPO is the wisdom knot. It conveys traits associated with​ being wise, such as possessing intelligence and broad knowledge,​ demonstrating ingenuity and patience, and applying learnings and​ experience to achieve practical resolutions.​
Source: Ghanaian Adinkra Symbol

CHARM

CREATIVITY

HOW WE USE IT​

We picked the creativity charm for Halloween Drama Queen because it encourages us to keep trying and to use our imagination when things get tricky—like when our parents say “no” to something. When things didn’t go her way, Ruth used her big, creative ideas to figure out the best costume ever. Way to go, Ruth!

REAL SYMBOL​

ANANSE NTONTAN means spider’s web and is a symbol of creativity and wisdom in the midst complexity. Ananse or Anansi is a clever, yet mischievous character in West African folklore, often represented as a spider, and the shape of this symbol represents a spider’s web. In the folktales, the spider uses its wits to solve problems where size and strength are not enough.​
Source: Ghanaian Adinkra Symbol​

LOVING HEART

We picked the loving heart charm because it shows how important it is to be kind and help others. Ruth’s grandma was super kind and helped her make the perfect princess dress. Thanks, Grandma! You’re the best!

AKOMA means “heart,” and it is a symbol of love, goodwill, patience, faithfulness, fondness, endurance, and consistency.​
Source: Ghanaian Adinkra Symbol​