Kids just might clean their plates if robots, monsters and superheroes are lurking under leafy greens. So goes the thinking at French Bull, which has produced a dozen character-driven dishes, plates and cups made of shatter-resistant melamine for youngsters who don’t know their own strength. The colorful plates and bowls are $9 each, cups are $6, and a three-piece set is $20 a savings of $4. Available at Lil Devils, 2218 E. 4th St., Long Beach; (562) 439 0555. (David A. Keeps / Los Angeles Times)