Flop to the Top! (Toon Books Level 3)

Davis (Stinky) and husband Weing have likely set a record for the number of selfies taken in a children's book with the introduction of Wanda, a self-described superstar who essentially sees herself as the next Beyonce. With sienna skin and a hairdo like an exclamation point, Wanda considers her younger siblings and her pet dog, Wilbur, to be "fans," and she never misses an episode of The Star Show, which celebrates the hottest personalities of the moment (a spot currently held by "Sassy Cat"). After Wanda uploads a selfie featuring herself and Wilbur, it's her pet who goes viral, as news trucks and phone-wielding fans descend on the house to see "Floppy Dog." Hell hath no fury like a wannabe celebrity scorned, but as Floppy Dog is whisked off to dance clubs, expensive restaurants, and a yacht (with Sassy Cat, no less!), Wanda's anger morphs to concern and repentance. Chunky digital illustrations playfully spoof the lifestyles of the rich and famous (Floppy Dog is quickly adorned with sunglasses and jeweled chains), but Davis and Weing never lose sight of the story's emotional underpinnings. Ages 5-up. (Sept.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 1-3--This is the story of Wanda, a celebrity-worshipping, self(ie)-obsessed little girl who thinks she's quite special--a star, in fact--and whose siblings and beloved dog are her most devoted fans (at least in Wanda's own mind). After she posts a picture of her floppy-faced bulldog, Wilbur, on social media, the image goes viral. Soon news vans and internet fans are on Wanda's front lawn, but it's not her they're eager to see--it's Wilbur. The pup is whisked away via limo to party with the glitterati and fellow Internet star Sassy Cat. Suddenly finding herself on the outskirts of her doggy's newfound fame, Wanda's in for a reality check. The petulant young celebrity-wannabe eventually finds a little humility, and her attitude changes. Lively cartoon art in bold, warm tones captures Wanda's frenetic energy, whose towering afro puff and wide-eyed smile will endear her to readers--despite her exasperating bossiness. Davis and Weing vary panel sizes and perspectives on almost each spread, lending the compositions an appropriately busy feel. Young readers capable of appreciating the irony of Wanda's tone-deaf interactions (for instance, a photo of Wanda smiling widely with her annoyed little siblings in the background is labeled "Starstruck!") will giggle when the protagonist gets her comeuppance and appreciate her eventual change of heart. VERDICT A chuckle-worthy tale for young comics fans.--Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Association for Library Service to Children 2016 Notable Children's Books

Association for Library Service to Children Graphic Novels Reading List 2016

Kirkus Prize 2015 Nominee for Young Reader's Literature

ABC Best Books for Young Readers List 2015

Texas Library Association Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List 2016

"The book is so much fun that both lessons—in reading and in life—go down easy." - Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

"It is infused with so much warmth, color, and whimsy that young readers will gladly see this book through to its pleasing reversal of fortune." - Horn Book Magazine STARRED REVIEW

"There is a lot going on here, including an underlying commentary about social media use, celebrity obsession and struggles with emotional expression." - The New York Times

"[Eleanor Davis and Drew Weing's] collaboration is a quick, cute story about a self-obsessed, selfie-obsessed little girl who believes she's destined for fame, fortune and super-stardom in the social media age." - Good Comics for Kids

"Davis and husband Weing have likely set a record for the number of selfies taken in a children's book...Chunky digital illustrations playfully spoof the lifestyles of the rich and famous...but Davis and Weing never lose sight of the story's emotional underpinnings." - Publishers Weekly

"A chuckle-worthy tale for young comics fans." - School Library Journal

"Though centered on difficult emotions that will feel familiar to kids, the story is leavened with comedy, allowing readers to navigate comfortably even as the robust sentences and repetition massage new reading skills." - Booklist

"It's a wonderful example of comics in action—grown-up artistry matched with childish silliness." - Slate

"Flop To The Top is the single best book in the entire Toon line. It is a perfect marriage of line, color, shadow, dialogue, and message." - The Comics Journal

"It has a message that is both timely and not at all heavy handed." - Books4YourKids

"The brightly colored illustrations capture the energy of the story's ebullient characters." - Mile High Books

"It's perfect for young readers." - What'cha Reading