The Ruby Stories — Penny Matthews

The year is 1930 and Ruby Quinlan lives in a big house in Adelaide with her parents and her fox terrier, Baxter. As she prepares for her 12th birthday party, Ruby has never been happier, but the world outside is experiencing harder times. Ruby knows that lots of people are losing their jobs, but her own family life seems comfortable and secure . . . until things start falling apart. Happy-go-lucky, compassionate, and loving, Ruby is an unforgettable Australian Girl. This bind-up of the four Ruby stories comes with a brand new chapter updating her life two years after the final book, Ruby of Kettle Farm.