Flop to the Top!

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.