Ruthie

“Shapiro returns to an earlier work and adds a joyful companion volume that fills in the missing pieces, resulting in a more complex and emotionally insightful whole. . . . This winning, humorous title will delight on its own and even more so when paired with its predecessor.” —STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

“Young fans of the fancier things in life will enjoy Ruthie’s princely observations and will be tickled by his goofy personality (and facial expressions). Both text and the stylized, mixed-media art, which often contradict each other to delightful effect, are packed with charmingly odd details; this is a celebration of authenticity and friendship not to be passed up.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Shapiro gently deflates Ruthie’s ego while plumping up his friendship possibilities, showing how learning to tone down one’s self-importance can lead to genuine connection.” —Publishers Weekly

“Shapiro’s whimsical multimedia illustrations enhance the heart of the story, making this a good addition to large picture-book collections.” —Booklist

“Ruthie, with a white coat so full that it conceals any discernible limbs, is a lovably ridiculous and privileged pooch. Shapiro adds further personality to the character’s alert narration and comic-style dialogue bubbles through hand-lettered text[.]” —The Horn Book

“It’s impossible to mistake a book by Esmé Shapiro with the work of any other artist. Her odd, rounded, comically proportioned figures, their quirky thoughts put into the perfect words, as well as the underlying premise of Shapiro’s universe, are all there.” —Imaginary Elevators