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That New Animal
A new baby changes everything . . . for two dogs
FudgeFudge does not like that new animal. Marshmallow does not like it either. Not even a little bit. So begins this forthright, hilarious, and boldly illustrated story about two dogs that see the arrival of a new baby as a huge problem. They don't like the way that new animal smells or the way the people just sit and stare at it, forgetting all about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow. They have to do something about it, but what? Then one morning a stranger named Grandpa arrives, and he wants to hold that new animal. Instantly FudgeFudge and Marshmallow know they can't allow that. Why? they ask each other. Because, by now, that new animal has become their new animal.
A picture book that speaks with wise and knowing humor to every parent and child who has welcomed or resisted an addition to the family.
FudgeFudge does not like that new animal. Marshmallow does not like it either. Not even a little bit. So begins this forthright, hilarious, and boldly illustrated story about two dogs that see the arrival of a new baby as a huge problem. They don't like the way that new animal smells or the way the people just sit and stare at it, forgetting all about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow. They have to do something about it, but what? Then one morning a stranger named Grandpa arrives, and he wants to hold that new animal. Instantly FudgeFudge and Marshmallow know they can't allow that. Why? they ask each other. Because, by now, that new animal has become their new animal.
A picture book that speaks with wise and knowing humor to every parent and child who has welcomed or resisted an addition to the family.
That New Animal is a 2005 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award Honor Book for Picture Books.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2005
84 people want to read
About the author
Emily Jenkins
104 books166 followersEmily Jenkins is the author of many books for children, including the recent picture books Tiger and Badger, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, and Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. Her chapter books include the Toys series, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky; she is co-author of the Upside-down Magic series. Emily Jenkins lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 17, 2022
Jan 22, 2010
In a nice bit of synchronicity, I checked out the book with the rather bulbous baby on the cover, which is reminiscent of an-artist-who's-name-I-don't-remember in the Children's Book of Art.
Funny and cute. We loved the doggies, although we're not reading many pictures books anymore.
In a nice bit of synchronicity, I checked out the book with the rather bulbous baby on the cover, which is reminiscent of an-artist-who's-name-I-don't-remember in the Children's Book of Art.
Funny and cute. We loved the doggies, although we're not reading many pictures books anymore.
February 21, 2019
Such a cute book on how dogs view having a new baby come into the home.
January 17, 2011
A clever variation on the "new baby" picture book. Two dogs, named FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, are upset to realize that a "new animal" has commandeered their owners' attention. They plot ways to rid themselves of the new animal until they realize maybe they've grown to like the new animal, if only just a little bit. Pratt's cartoonish pastel illustrations complement the silly tone. Recommended for older siblings who can relate to the desire to bury their new sibling in the yard with old bones.
June 28, 2014
The takeaway of this book is that it is told from the perspectives of two dogs, that initially dislike a newborn but learn how to like and live with it eventually. Furthermore, the book is about the loyalty and jealously of dogs toward human beings.
I can use this book to show to my students that storytelling changes when told from the perspective of animals in our world. Additionally, I can ask my students to write about the kind of feelings animals may have toward us and if and how we can have influence on their feelings.
I can use this book to show to my students that storytelling changes when told from the perspective of animals in our world. Additionally, I can ask my students to write about the kind of feelings animals may have toward us and if and how we can have influence on their feelings.
November 14, 2018
My professor certainly knows how to pick books to read to us. They're always funny, with vibrant illustrations, and overall positive and has us ready to rumble. That New Animal is one of those books. Fudgefudge and Marshmallow meet their parents' new animal, and they don't really like it. It's hairless and gets all of the attention. It's just sorta...weird. They try to teach it to speak, to act like a dog, because, well, what else is it supposed to be, exactly?
This book was laugh out loud funny, and perfect for a soon-to-be sibling, for an already-is-a-sibling, or for a youngster that just really loves dogs.
Review cross-listed here!
This book was laugh out loud funny, and perfect for a soon-to-be sibling, for an already-is-a-sibling, or for a youngster that just really loves dogs.
Review cross-listed here!
May 24, 2020
First of all I don’t like the illustrations at all. What’s up with the weird long rectangle noses on everything? If I don’t like the illustrations in a picture book then the actual story better be perfect in order to win me over. This was not. I think the idea was clever-what’s a new baby like from the dogs’ perspective. I think it could be helpful for siblings struggling with a new baby, as they are able to put the emotions into someone and something else, making it safer to talk about. However I really didn’t like the repeated use of “hate” for the dogs feeling towards the baby. It felt lazy and I just think it’s too much for a book on this topic for little kids. And not only did they hate the baby, one of the dogs was pretty set on killing it, which freaked my kid out a bit at first. The story was just weird overall, and there are others like it out there that do the same concept better (McDuff and the Baby for example).
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April 21, 2016My dog hater loves this book!
May 2, 2018
Okay, so the dogs in this book are the best part. They are most of the surface story, so if you don't read picture books too deeply, you might really enjoy this one.
I don't like that apparently the people no longer have any interest in their pets anymore? They bring the baby home and suddenly the dogs fade into the background, and they don't give a shit? Like WTF, people? "Hm, my previously well behaved dog is now pissing on the carpet. It must now be a bad dog!" Um, no, Barbara Mae, maybe it's because you aren't giving them ANY attention and aren't trying to introduce them to the new baby correctly? Maybe, just maybe, your dogs hate being emotionally dumped suddenly and without warning (to them).
I don't like that apparently the people no longer have any interest in their pets anymore? They bring the baby home and suddenly the dogs fade into the background, and they don't give a shit? Like WTF, people? "Hm, my previously well behaved dog is now pissing on the carpet. It must now be a bad dog!" Um, no, Barbara Mae, maybe it's because you aren't giving them ANY attention and aren't trying to introduce them to the new baby correctly? Maybe, just maybe, your dogs hate being emotionally dumped suddenly and without warning (to them).
December 5, 2023
Intended as humorous, this story shares the perspective of the family's two dogs. They aren't enthusiastic about the family's new baby.
Once again, author Emily Jenkins is writing a kid's book about sugary treats. (Yep, I'm fresh from rating-and-reviewing "Suger would not eat it." Where "It" is a big slice of chocolate cake.)
In this different kid's book, the resentful animals are dogs. They're named FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, respectively.
In other respects, this is a typical tale of jealous family members who eventually stop disliking the adorable new baby.
Because so many readers love this perennially popular trope, on behalf of this intended audience, I'll rate this title at FIVE STARS. Although the intended audience is definitely not me.
Once again, author Emily Jenkins is writing a kid's book about sugary treats. (Yep, I'm fresh from rating-and-reviewing "Suger would not eat it." Where "It" is a big slice of chocolate cake.)
In this different kid's book, the resentful animals are dogs. They're named FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, respectively.
In other respects, this is a typical tale of jealous family members who eventually stop disliking the adorable new baby.
Because so many readers love this perennially popular trope, on behalf of this intended audience, I'll rate this title at FIVE STARS. Although the intended audience is definitely not me.
March 5, 2021
In this book we see the journey of two dogs accepting the new family member. At first they were not a fan of him due to the new animal smell but soon they realize that the new animal is their new animal.
I really liked this book it was very cute and kind of flipped the script on the story. As this story has been told countless times just as it being siblings not dogs. I would use this book for a kid who is about to get a sibling or just got one who is struggling with that so they can see it from another point of view.
I really liked this book it was very cute and kind of flipped the script on the story. As this story has been told countless times just as it being siblings not dogs. I would use this book for a kid who is about to get a sibling or just got one who is struggling with that so they can see it from another point of view.
September 6, 2017
This book is a cute book for children. The pictures are all illustrated very well and the idea that it is in the point of view of the two dogs is entertaining. I just wouldn't have it as a book in my classroom because I am a dog lover and I wouldn't want my students to get a bad thought about dogs.
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September 9, 2020I found this book hilariously adorable: I feel like a lot of people (and animals) feel similar to FudgeFudge and Marshmallow when a new addition is added into the family. It would be a very cute read-aloud for an elementary classroom.
January 22, 2025
I, personally, despise the art style. And the theme is old; I'd rather reread Socks. And poor Grandpa!
March 30, 2018
This would be a good picture book to feature point of view. This story is about a new baby in a home but it's from the house pets point of view. A cute story about animals and a new baby.
August 13, 2018
These dogs are pretty mean, haha! But I loved the end where they defend the baby. The baby illustrations looks like a grumpy old man. I think this book is super funny.
May 18, 2020
This is a nice story of two dogs who do not like the new addition to the family.
January 28, 2021
Cute concept. Good story arc.
April 2, 2020
Two dogs aren't sure about the new baby living in their house, until Grandpa comes over and their possessive side comes out. The baby looks a lot like an old man himself, but my young readers enjoyed this story. A Scholastic Learn-At-Home PreK Book.
December 1, 2017
I really think Jenkins may be part dog because of how accurately she portrays the dogs' confusion about the new baby. The dogs' reaction to grandpa is priceless and adorable. And I can't forget the moment where the dogs think about eating the baby. I thought it was pretty funny, and I definitely think kids will get a kick out of that.
September 3, 2015
They say "don't judge a book by its cover" but I picked up this book because I thought the cover was cute and I already had an idea of what the book would be about. It seemed like it would be a cute story.
FudgeFudge and Marshmallow are two dogs living with a couple. The couple brings home a "new animal", their newborn baby one day and all of a sudden, things at home are never the same again. Most of the couple's attention is focused on their newborn baby and as a result, the dogs are not very pleased. They miss luxuries such as sitting on the couch and having their tummy rubbed. It almost seems like the couple doesn't love them anymore. This book focuses on the feelings and thoughts of the dogs as they are exposed to a new family member.
"That New Animal" is a great children's book due to the simplicity and clarity of the pictures and text. The design aspect such as the style of the pictures and the font of the text are simple as well. There are only a few sentences per picture and they effectively complement each other. The pictures are able to portray the emotions of the dogs better while the text explains better why they are feeling that way. I felt a lot of sympathy for the dogs as I read. However, this book is not much of a page-turner. I don't find myself wondering what will happen next. That's the only reason why I didn't rate this book a 5. It's still a great book; I would read it to my own kids, especially if I only had one and I was thinking about having a second. It would explain better than I can what it might be like in the house after their sibling comes home. I would recommend this to a friend who is considering having a second child as well.
FudgeFudge and Marshmallow are two dogs living with a couple. The couple brings home a "new animal", their newborn baby one day and all of a sudden, things at home are never the same again. Most of the couple's attention is focused on their newborn baby and as a result, the dogs are not very pleased. They miss luxuries such as sitting on the couch and having their tummy rubbed. It almost seems like the couple doesn't love them anymore. This book focuses on the feelings and thoughts of the dogs as they are exposed to a new family member.
"That New Animal" is a great children's book due to the simplicity and clarity of the pictures and text. The design aspect such as the style of the pictures and the font of the text are simple as well. There are only a few sentences per picture and they effectively complement each other. The pictures are able to portray the emotions of the dogs better while the text explains better why they are feeling that way. I felt a lot of sympathy for the dogs as I read. However, this book is not much of a page-turner. I don't find myself wondering what will happen next. That's the only reason why I didn't rate this book a 5. It's still a great book; I would read it to my own kids, especially if I only had one and I was thinking about having a second. It would explain better than I can what it might be like in the house after their sibling comes home. I would recommend this to a friend who is considering having a second child as well.
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January 29, 2016"The New Animal" by Emily Jenkins is told from the perspective of two household dogs, Marshmallow and Fudgefudge. Their owners just had a baby and they do not understand why all of their attention is on this new human, in which they refer to as a new animal. Through out the story Marshmallow and Fudgefudge display their dislike for the new baby through explain that no one is playing with them anymore, and that he has taken their spot on the couch. The turning point in the book is when Grandpa comes to visit, when he goes to pick up the new baby the dogs get very defensive. The moral of the story wraps up to be, everything is new and takes time to get use to, but once it is not so new anymore, it will feel like normal.
"The New Animal" I believe is a very book children's book, the picture align appropriately with the text and correctly support one another. If you notice on the first page the two parents are very tall and long vertical lines represent their legs, while the dogs have very short horizontal lines. The difference in these too shows dominance and stability in the parents. The mothers red dress on the first page also represents love and passion for her newborn, while the fathers green shirt shows serenity and calm vibes. All the characters also have round and circular faces and features and I believe this represents comfort and protection for the newborn. These characteristics are held throughout the book.
"The New Animal" I believe is a very book children's book, the picture align appropriately with the text and correctly support one another. If you notice on the first page the two parents are very tall and long vertical lines represent their legs, while the dogs have very short horizontal lines. The difference in these too shows dominance and stability in the parents. The mothers red dress on the first page also represents love and passion for her newborn, while the fathers green shirt shows serenity and calm vibes. All the characters also have round and circular faces and features and I believe this represents comfort and protection for the newborn. These characteristics are held throughout the book.
October 6, 2014
Jenkins, E. & Pratt, P. (2005). That New Animal New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2005 (Vol. 73, No. 2)
Picture Book Project (Choice)
Delightful book about 2 dogs, Marshmallow and FudgeFudge, who do not appreciate the “new animal.” The new animal is a new baby in the family, which the dogs are jealous of. Everyone seems to have forgotten about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, while the baby gets all the love they used to. They plot with each other about what to do, until Grandpa comes for a visit. This is a great book to have in a first through third grade class library for those students who may be going through a change in family dynamics. Although it is a story involving 2 dogs trying to deal with their jealousy of a new addition to the family, this book is easily relatable to children who have a new younger sibling or whose single parent is getting remarried to someone with children. I chuckled at the antics of FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, as I know young readers will do so as well.
Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2005 (Vol. 73, No. 2)
Picture Book Project (Choice)
Delightful book about 2 dogs, Marshmallow and FudgeFudge, who do not appreciate the “new animal.” The new animal is a new baby in the family, which the dogs are jealous of. Everyone seems to have forgotten about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, while the baby gets all the love they used to. They plot with each other about what to do, until Grandpa comes for a visit. This is a great book to have in a first through third grade class library for those students who may be going through a change in family dynamics. Although it is a story involving 2 dogs trying to deal with their jealousy of a new addition to the family, this book is easily relatable to children who have a new younger sibling or whose single parent is getting remarried to someone with children. I chuckled at the antics of FudgeFudge and Marshmallow, as I know young readers will do so as well.
January 11, 2012
The lives of two dogs change after a new animal, a baby, comes to their house. A new baby changes everything - for two dogs FudgeFudge does not like that new animal. Marshmallow does not like it either. Not even a little bit. So begins this forthright, hilarious, and boldly illustrated story about two dogs that see the arrival of a new baby as a huge problem. They don't like the way that new animal smells or the way the people just sit and stare at it, forgetting all about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow. They have to do something about it, but what? Then one morning a stranger named Grandpa arrives, and he wants to hold that new animal. Instantly FudgeFudge and Marshmallow know they can't allow that. Why? they ask each other. Because, by now, that new animal has become their new animal. A picture book that speaks with wise and knowing humor to every parent and child who has welcomed or resisted an addition to the family.
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February 1, 2016The book "That new Animal", by Emily Jenkins is such a cute book. I love how she portrays the two dogs as older siblings. The dogs portray human thoughts and emotions just in "dog" form. This book is perfect for an older sibling who is getting a new brother or sister. It is very natural for an older sibling to feel left out and like they have been put onto the back shelf. This is the perfect book for that.
I loved this book! It is funny and is a great read. I think it perfectly described my feelings after my mother brought home my third sibling. I don't like the illustrations that much and I do not like that the dogs name is FudgeFudge. Other than that I would recommend it strongly for a growing family or even to a classroom.
This book could be used to teach kids to accept new kids into their classrooms or that new people are not as bad as they seem once you get to know them.
I loved this book! It is funny and is a great read. I think it perfectly described my feelings after my mother brought home my third sibling. I don't like the illustrations that much and I do not like that the dogs name is FudgeFudge. Other than that I would recommend it strongly for a growing family or even to a classroom.
This book could be used to teach kids to accept new kids into their classrooms or that new people are not as bad as they seem once you get to know them.
September 16, 2012
The book, "That New Animal" was surprisingly hilarious. I loved the names of the two dogs, FudgeFudge and Marshmallow they really brought the story alive. Telling the story through the eyes of the dogs got me thinking if dogs really think that way about humans. Primary children would have an easy time reading this story because of the simple text. There are only two to three sentences on each page. The dialogue between the two dogs is very comical and will have the children laughing. The illustrations were very meek. They have very little details but they are just enough to paint a picture in the children minds. This story will get children imagining what their animals are thinking.
November 19, 2015
FudgeFudge does not like that new animal. Marshmallow does not like it either. Not even a little bit. So begins this forthright, hilarious, and boldly illustrated story about two dogs that see the arrival of a new baby as a huge problem. They don't like the way that new animal smells or the way the people just sit and stare at it, forgetting all about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow. They have to do something about it, but what? Then one morning a stranger named Grandpa arrives, and he wants to hold that new animal. Instantly FudgeFudge and Marshmallow know they can't allow that. Why? they ask each other. Because, by now, that new animal has become their new animal.
April 30, 2010
The lives of two dogs change after a new animal, a baby, comes to their house.
- Thanks to goodreads
Literary Awards and Nominations:
Parents Choice Award
Best Children's Book
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: Grades K-2nd
Social Issues: Animal vs. Human relationships
Topic: Family
Use: Read Aloud
Written by Emily Jenkins and Illustrated by Pierre Pratt
Illustrations: The illustrations in this novel are simple but add to the main characters personalities. A dogs life is simple and the pictures reflect that.
Published 2005 by Frances Foster
- Thanks to goodreads
Literary Awards and Nominations:
Parents Choice Award
Best Children's Book
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: Grades K-2nd
Social Issues: Animal vs. Human relationships
Topic: Family
Use: Read Aloud
Written by Emily Jenkins and Illustrated by Pierre Pratt
Illustrations: The illustrations in this novel are simple but add to the main characters personalities. A dogs life is simple and the pictures reflect that.
Published 2005 by Frances Foster
June 27, 2011
Dislike the use of "hate" in the book, especially one targeted toward itty bitties. There are so many other great words that could have been chosen instead. Also, grandpa is unknown the dogs? He never visited his son/daughter in their home prior to this moment? The new parents never shooed the dogs away so he could hold his grandchild? Silly issue that would go over most kids heads, but annoying none the less. Other than these 2 points, this had the potential of a great story; initially I was thinking it would be a great new big brother/sister gift. Oh well...
November 1, 2013
A new animal comes home and the two dogs will have none of it! They bark and chew and do other naughty things until their humans start paying attention to them again. This is a great story for kids who have dogs in their homes and may not understand the territoriality that they show when they have new people or things introduced into their homes. The pictures are great! The story is a little bit long, so it would be best for kids with longer attention spans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews