RUFFLES AND THE TEENY, TINY KITTENS

Will Ruffles ever escape his mob of feline fans?

Ruffles the dog is back—without the garment he sported in Ruffles and the Red, Red Coat (2021)—and he knows what he loves: things like howling, scratching, chewing, and digging. “But Ruffles does not love the teeny, tiny kittens.” The five marmalade kittens lick and stare and pounce…and poop. Worst of all, they follow Ruffles wherever he goes. Ruffles dislikes sharing—especially his snuggly blue blanket. The kittens love the blanket, and when Ruffles tries to take it from them, the five teeny, tiny felines think it is a game. The tug of war ends with a “Rip!!!” Ruffles takes his torn blanket to his basket, but it’s too small to cover him and keep him cozy. Turns out a pile of kittens can keep a canine cozy. The next day, Ruffles decides playing is more fun when you share. Now, he loves the kittens…most of the time (there is still that pooping problem). Melling’s second outing with Ruffles is as charming as the first. The white pup with a big gray circle around his eye is as expressive as ever, and he is joined by an adorable cadre of kitties. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A sweet, funny lesson in interspecies friendship and sharing.