Melling, David. Ruffles and the New Green Thing. David Melling, Illus. Ruffles; bk. 3.
Candlewick Press, 06/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-53-622982-0. GRADES
Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In the third installment of the Ruffles series, Ruffles, a white puppy with a gray circular patch around one
eye, is very wary of the mysterious green lump in his dish (recognizable to readers as broccoli). Ralph, an older Dalmatian friend, comes to play. After they chase and fetch and tug and scratch, Ralph takes a big bite of the green thing, which is just the push Ruffles needs to give it a try. Children who are picky eaters might be encouraged by Ruffles to try a new food. Melling’s illustrations, done in pencil and digitally colored, are very cute and spare, and wonderfully portray the dogs’ busy playtime, expressive eyes, and sweet affection for each other. (The book might benefit from a warning that broccoli is only safe for dogs in small amounts.)
Cindy Gullikson—Joaquin Miller School, Oakland Unified School District