Review by Booklist Review
Puppies, like young children, can feel strongly about their likes and dislikes. This story begins with a list of nine things that Ruffles loves, including eating, sniffing, and digging. What does he dislike? Loud noises, which can scare him into crouching, skittering, and running, especially when they come at night. The worst is a thunderstorm, which sends him scrambling for somewhere to hide, like behind a towel, under a cupboard, or in a chair. When these don't work, he tries his "cozy, cozy bed." Comforted by his familiar cushion and blankie, Ruffles finds that the night noises seem quieter. The storm passes, but he stays in bed, his favorite place. The fourth picture book in the Ruffles series will ring true to kids who know dogs and to children who fear thunderstorms too. As depicted by English writer/illustrator David Melling, Ruffles is quite possibly the most adorable puppy in picture books today. The simple text and lively drawings capture canine expressions, emotions, and actions perfectly, while putting smiles on viewers' faces. Fun for reading aloud.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
What's a scared pooch to do? Ruffles, a white puppy with a dark spot around one eye, is back, and once more, he has definite opinions. He loves howling, scratching, sniffing, chewing, and many other doggie pastimes. But he's not so fond of loud noises--those make him crouch and creep and skitter and run. Worst of all is when loud noises happen at night! And when they're accompanied by a boom and a flash and a crash, it must be a thunderstorm. Those make Ruffles want to hide. But where? He attempts to conceal himself behind a towel, under the cupboard, in a laundry basket, and even under a colander…but none of those are "quiet, cozy, and safe." Ruffles gets an idea, though: His basket bed is all those things, especially with his cushion and his blanket. There, he weathers the nighttime storm and is able to get back to all the things he loves in the morning. Melling's charming, headstrong puppy confronts fears in his fourth outing, which is sure to comfort little ones scared of storms and other noises. The author/illustrator once more relies on digitally colored pencil drawings; brief, endearing vignettes depict Ruffles' various favorite and not-so-favorite things. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Fans of this adorable pup will giggle their fears away. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
