TROUBLE WITH TRUFFLES

A young pig teaches his mom how to share her beloved truffles in Richey’s picture book.

When Hammy’s little brother, Oinkers, wants Hammy’s favorite building blocks, Hammy says no, but Mom reminds him, “We always share.” Hammy goes “hog wild” in protest, questioning why Mom doesn’t share the delicious truffles she hides in a dresser drawer and vitamin jar. Hammy and Oinkers change into detective outfits, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes’, to go on a truffle hunt. After Hammy finds and takes all the truffles, Mom has a tantrum exactly like the one her son had. Children with a sense of fairness will likely catch on to Mom’s rules-for-thee-and-not-for-me attitude. Richey and illustrator Ortiz previously collaborated on Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy (2022); Ortiz’s full-color illustrations use short, contrasting lines that repeat throughout the book to illustrate pig hairs, rug fringe, and grass blades. Kids may be slightly confused by the shifting settings, as the text doesn’t specify where characters are; pigs are shown using flooring and furniture, but at other times are outdoors, covered by huge, dark leaves. A “Did You Know?” section of truffle facts states that Hammy’s Mom’s truffles are mushrooms that grow underground; however, the author then confusingly writes that she “thinks” Hammy’s Mom’s truffles are actually chocolate.

A relatable story of sharing hampered by occasional confusing moments.