Flop to the Top!

by Eleanor Davis, Dreq Weing

In this modern-day fable, Wanda calls her brother and sister "fans," keeps up with celebrity news, and never misses a chance to share a selfie. She's ready to show the world how Wanda-ful she really is, but all people are interested in is . . . her dog! Superstar cartoonists Eleanor Davis and Drew Weing will have young readers in stitches with this hilarious tale of fame and fandom where friendship and family triumph.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Humor, Animals, Dogs, Fiction, Comics

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

My name is Eleanor Davis. I’m a cartoonist and illustrator. A collection of my short comics for adults, How To Be Happy, is out now from Fantagraphics Books. I have two graphic novels for kids: The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook (2009) which I created with my husband Drew Weing, and the easy-reader Stinky (2008). I live in Athens, Georgia.

Clients include: The New Yorker, The New York Times, Google, The Wall Street Journal, Plansponser, MIT Tech Review, Lucky Peach, Nautilus, Time Magazine, Telerama, Slate, BusinessWeek, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Oxford American, Nobrow Press, BUST Magazine, Charlex NYC, Fantagraphics Books, Dutton, TOON Books, First Second Books, Houghton Mifflin, Workman Publishing, and Bloomsbury Books.

Awards and recognition include: Society of Illustrators – Gold and Silver; Eisner Nominee (Secret Science Alliance); Print Magazine’s New Visual Artists 2009; Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (Stinky); Russ Manning Award (Stinky); Best American Comics 2008 + cover & Best American Comics 2013. In nursery school I got a ribbon for “Best Fine Motor Skills.”

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's graphic novel for younger readers about a girl named W-w-w-w-wanda (no, just Wanda, that's from A Fish Named Wanda) who wants fame, who sees her brother and sister as "fans". She takes selfies and posts them everywhere. One with her dog gets her DOG famous, which creates this manic adventure leading back home and "normality".

Just a fun kind of romp by Davis and her husband, Drew Weing. I read it because Davis (How to Be Happy) is an amazing illustrator as well as cartoonist and wanted to see what she would do with kids comics. She also did Stinky and others for Toon books, Francine Mouly's editorial project. I find myself pretty disengaged with Toon books overall, for some reason. A little too academic, a little too focused on reading level and "how to Read Comics with Kids," which may be necessary, I dunno, for kids and teachers, but I doubt it. The art here and story are pretty fun, lots of jazzy design and color.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This children's book caught my eye because I've been enjoying Eleanor Davis' graphic novels for adults. Unfortunately, this story of the downside of seeking instant internet fame didn't do much for me.

[Oliver.R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book,she's bossy she's also famous. She does deserve what she gets in this book,I do recommend this it's not bad but it's not awesome either its average. But it is possible for someone to read it.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trap of fame - and who you have to leave behind to get there; great lesson for young children - fantastic art.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda is a superstar. Her biggest fans are her brother and sister (not) and her dog Wilbur. Then one day, Wanda posts a picture of herself with her floppy dog, Wilbur and it goes viral! She wakes up in the morning to news reporters and limos… but they’re not for her, they’re for Wilbur. Now Wilbur is the superstar (for real) and Wanda misses him. Finally, Wilbur decides to leave all that behind and go home with Wilma, who really loves him. http://julianaleewriter.com/the-cybil...

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full-color children's graphic novel about an unknown diva who insists she is a superstar. It feels more like an introduction to reality tv than an introduction to graphic novels. The story is predictable and the protagonist is too much of a brat for words, plus she mistreats her dog. The redeeming moment of this book is when the fandom chooses the dog over the girl.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about valuing your siblings and pets, and what happens when you get a big head about yourself.

Toon into Reading series, graphic novels for beginning readers with a How to Read Comics with Kids guide in the back. Excellent intro.

Husband and wife team are author and illustrator and I love them both.

Need I say more? Pick this one up!

[Dani Shuping · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm a superstar!" so says Wanda. Her brother and sister are her loyal "fans", but her most loyal of all, is her dog Wilbur. She and Wilbur do everything together, including watching their favorite show "The Star Show" and Sassy Cat! Wanda is ready to show the world how Wanda-ful she is and has just posted her latest selfie. When she wakes up in the morning she finds it has 20 million likes! And Wanda is ready for her fame! Except...they've come for...WILBUR???!? Now Wilbur is the famous one! And Wanda is all alone. What's a girl to do?

In this fun and engaging book cartoonists Eleanor Davis & Drew Weing create a story that is sure to resonate with many young readers (and older ones as well.) In this day and age of "superstars" where you compete for your fame on every show possible, Davis & Weing have given us the most superstar of superstars in Wanda, who is ready to be famous, just because...she's Wanda. But what happens when Wanda discovers, she isn't the superstar she thought she was? That's where the story really starts to pick up and Davis & Weing have Wanda start to take a close look at herself and wonder...maybe she isn't all that, just because she wants to be? Maybe, just maybe, she's just Wanda and that's all that the world might need.

The bold, warm colors in the story capture Wanda's energy and lively spirit and her wide eyed smile will help readers relate to her, even if she is bossy. In fact, the only muted color in the entire book is Wilbur. The down to earth, humble, yet big star, dog. It sets him apart from the bright colors of his endearing fans and Wanda's own energy, allowing the reader to easily follow him along his journey. The varying panel sizes and perspectives on each page help the reader follow the energetic pacing of the story and the excitement that the reader feels as they wait to see what happens between Wanda and Wilbur. They keep up the varying panel sizes and perspectives until the very end when...well I can't tell you that part. That would spoil the story! But you'll see how it fits.

This engaging story will keep readers giggling as Wanda prances around the early part of the story declaring herself a superstar and pause to think as Wanda begins to realize maybe...she's not the superstar she thinks she is. And maybe, just maybe, she'll learn something along the way. This book is recommended for all ages, as well all can use a dose of humility and learn that we aren't all superstars and that perhaps we don't need to be.

Review copy provided by Toon Books

[Fred Patten · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Flop to the Top!" by husband-&-wife Eleanor Davis & Drew Weing (story & art) is a witty parable for Level 3 readers about media popularity versus true friendship. "My name is WANDA. I'm a SUPERSTAR!" boasts Wanda, a young girl, on the first page. "EVERYBODY says so," but readers can see that's not true. "Here I am with some of my FANS," Wanda says, taking a cel-phone photo of herself with her disapproving younger sister and brother. "But my BIGGEST fan ... is my dog, Wilbur." Wilbur is a big floppy, lazy hound who lets Wanda take his picture and caption it "My #1 fan, Wilbur". Wanda takes another picture, captions it "Superstar Wanda and her Floppy Dog", and posts it on the Internet. The next morning, there are crowds and TV camera around her house. "Oh my GOSH! I'm a REAL superstar?'' No! "Out of the way, little girl! We want FLOPPY DOG!" Wanda is horrified and mortified to realize that droopy Wilbur is the real star, and nobody cares about her. She sees Floppy Dog riding in limousines, hobnobbing with TV animal stars, and rising to higher and ever higher fame. Her calls for Wilbur to come home and resume his old life are ignored. It isn't until Wanda says, "I love you. Wilbur, I'm your number one fan," that he returns to her. This TOON Books easy-to-read hardcover featuring non-Caucasian Wanda and her big floppy hound will bring laughter to children of all ages at the same time it presents a modern-day lesson on the difference between momentary popularity and real friendship.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty spectacular. Very funny with quirky and cool illustrations. I think it has a great chance at a Geisel for 2016.

[Scott Robins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is this about emotions & feelings or our society's obsession with celebrity culture? I expected a bit more of a clear message from these two creators. Not sure if this was entirely successful.

[Marissa Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has not won any awards.

"Flop to the Top!" is appropriate for first to third grade students.

This book is a graphic novel about Wanda, a young girl, who wants to be famous. But for some reason, her dog is the one who becomes famous. Wanda loves celebrities and taking selfies, and she calls her brother and sister her fans. When she posts a picture online with her dog, it goes viral, but to Wanda's dismay, everyone likes her dog better.

This book is really cute, and modern. It talks about technology and uses terminology that most children today can relate to. Also, at the end of this book, there is a page that explains how to read comics, and other helpful information. This is a funny book that your students will love to read.

This book can be used in the classroom to teach students about comics and graphic novels, and how to read these kinds of books. Also, this book can start a conversation about the internet, and posting things online for everyone to see. Students can be asked to predict what would happen if Wanda had become famous instead of her dog.

[Alexandria Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantasy book because it never happened and it highly doubtful a dog makes the choice to become a star and leave his owner (temporarily) Dogs just don't make those choices for themselves. This books audience would be primary.
Text to self- I have been guilty enough to watch and idolize many stars over the years. When I was little I pretended I was a star too. Specifically Brittany Spears.
Text to text - I thought of the show keeping up with the Kardashians. Pretty much it started with Kim trying to become family like Wanda (except she does unlike Wanda) but her family also unexpectedly became famous out of it.
Text to World - Many stars we have become stars out of pure luck much like Wilbur (the dog). For instance Evangeline Lily was just walking about when she was offered a modeling contract and suddenly became famous.

[Gabriella Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade range is for k-2. This book is about Wanda and her dog Wilber. Wanda is extremely interested in celebrities and calls her siblings and whilber her fans. After a picture of Wanda and Wilbur goes viral, her dog is the one who gains all the popularity. I like the graphic novel and color scheme format of this book. The text is brief and simple to read. At times the thought bubbles can get confusing and overwhelming but overall the book is not a bad one. This book would be great to include on the classroom shelves. Students who are not as interested in reading yet tend to prefer the graphic novel format over the traditional text format. This book would be great for independent reading and encouraging young readers to pick up a book.

[Megan Gilchrist · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cartoon book. Wanda and her dog Wilbur were the main characters. Wanda wants to be a superstar. Wilbur is very floppy. She posted a picture on Instagram and she thought she would be the the superstar, but Wilbur became the superstar!
My favorite part of the story when Wilbur becomes the superstar, and Wanda gets really mad because SHE wanted to be the superstar! It was so funny!
The pictures kind of told the story, but it would have been better if the pictures were about a real famous person.
Girls who are 7-10 would like this book because it’s about superstars!

[Kayla Slaubaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a three-star review because while it was a cute story, it was a little confusing. I'm unsure of the purpose of this story. Is it teaching students to care about others? Is it a story about selfishness? There is one point within the book where it jumps from one "scene" to the next without a good transition. It's like it goes back to the beginning and repeats a page, then continues on with the story. I could see how this book would be confusing to students, it seems to jump around quite a bit.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanda thinks she's a superstar, and treats her siblings, and her dog Wilbur as her fans. Wanda is in for a rude awakening and big surprise when she posts a photo of her and Wilbur on social media. She's no longer a superstar, but Wilbur is an overnight sensation. Read how both Wanda and Wilbur handle the sudden changes in their lives.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extra star for accurately depicting a bulldog.

[Sammi Cuevas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and funny graphic novel that is engaging for young readers and shows good value in contentment.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 2 out of 5]

3* art
2* story

[Ashley Aolani Salisbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highly recommend this for beginning readers. (more later)

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this early elementary graphic novel, a young girl wants to be a star and thinks she is the best at everything but what happens when her dog actually becomes a star? Simple and easy to follow.

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art was great, story was kind of lacking this time.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great message to over-zealous youngsters prone to excessive auto-indulgence.

[Samantha Dowd]

Cute story about social media & spending more time off of your phone & more time with loved ones

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, cute children's comic about fame, social media, and friendship. Love the illustrations from spouse team Eleanor David and Drew Weing!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dogstar is born

[Sarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isosisko Wanda haluaa julkkikseksi ja kohtelee sisaruksiaan melko huonosti. Kun Wanda lataa nettiin kuvan itsestään ja koirastaan, paparazzit tekevät koirasta julkkiksen. Sarjakuvaa juuri lukemaan oppineille.

[Karen davisstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel will appeal to younger beginning readers. It has great vocabulary and rich sentences that don't feel like it's dumbing down a story just because it's written for a younger audience. It tells the story of Wanda and her dog Wilbur. Wanda wants to be a star. She refers to her younger siblings as fans and acts like a total diva in her family and neighborhood. When Wanda posts a selfie of her and her dog she finds fame, only to realize it's not Wanda who the public wants to see, it's Wilbur. Wilbur becomes, "Floppy Dog" and an instant celebrity. How Wanda deals with her envy and soon her feelings of loss are classic, and the story teaches the lesson that friends are more important than being important.
This book would be a fun one to use with beginning readers in a group. It could be used to introduce them to the concept of graphic novels, or for it's easy to follow yet interesting story. So often beginning reader's books are dull and lifeless, this breaks that mold into little pieces. Students would want to read this over and over again. This would aid in comprehension and developing skills of a good reader.
This book would also work well with our Character Counts schoolwide program. Often its hard to find books to teach lessons with that aren't hitting children over the head with the overly moral story. This story does the same thing, but in a way that students would enjoy and actually learn from. It reflects responsibility, trustworthiness, and being a good citizen. You could work respect and fairness into it too. Wanda isn't very likeable at first and I think that could lead to some interesting discussions in groups. As Floppy Dog's fame grows, the way that Wanda changes will make every student have to think. The conversations you could have in small groups, where students feel more comfortable, could be really character building in a natural way instead of feeling so false.


Davis, E., & Weing, D. (2015). Flop to the top! New York, NY: Toon Books.

[Aimee Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flop to the Top!

Wanda believes she is a real star and always posts pictures with her “fans”, her brother James and her sister Jane, and her biggest fan Wilbur, her dog! One day she posts a picture with Wilbur and captions it: Super Star Wanda and her Floppy Dog. This picture got very poplar overnight and in the morning there were paparazzi surrounding her house. She thought of course they were for her but they were for Wilbur the dog. Wanda got angry because she wanted to be the star. Sassy Cat came from a limo to ask Wilbur the dog to party with the famous sassy cat and Wilbur left in the limo. Wanda follows Wilbur everywhere he goes and Wilbur gets very famous. She tell Wilbur she misses his and he goes back to being with Wanda.

In this book there are a lot of borders around the pictures, they look like Polaroid pictures. All of the Polaroid pictures in this graphic novel have captions that all say something different. The pictures look like they are done by water colors. The end pages in this book are funny because it’s a collection of Polaroid pictures of just Wilbur and the captions under the picture say: lazy, mad, sad, relieved, hopeful, happy, nervous, content, confused, excited, sleepy, scared, relaxed, lonely, and mellow. But Wilbur is making the same face in every photo