Review by Booklist Review
How can a regular, slobbery, earthbound dog compare with the likes of caped, costumed, flying video-star Ultra Dog? This is Tuffy's quandary, as his boy Tim goes overboard for Ultra Dog toys, shows, games, clothes, even underwear! Worse yet, a glossy invitation to visit Ultra Land theme park arrives. Egged on by Bosworth the cat's sly predictions of abandonment, Tuffy resolves to be even more obedient, more helpful, more lovable than ever not even letting the increasingly annoyed-looking lad visit the bathroom in peace. Where will it end? Just where it should: after Tuffy desperately pitches himself out a window in an attempt to fly (acquiring a pair of Ultra Dog undies off the clothesline on the way down), Tim hugs him lovingly and reveals that the invitation to Ultra Land is for two! In cartoon illustrations strewn with plewds and agitrons, Hanmer depicts Tim as an androgynous figure, olive-skinned like his parents, and leaves boy and dog in the final scene exuberantly riding the Ultra Dog roller coaster: To the Dog Star and beyond!!! --John Peters Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Tuffy loved Tim. And Tim loved Tuffy." Nothing stands in the way of the bond between Tuffy the dog and Tim the boy-until Tim discovers superhero Ultra Dog ("the ultra-est dog in the universe!" ) and becomes Ultra Dog's "ultra-est" fan as he prepares to visit his idol at Ultra Land. Terrified of losing Tim and goaded on by the cat next door, Tuffy decides to do everything in his power to keep Tim from loving Ultra Dog more. His plans range from being "the ultra-est at obedience" to "the ultra-est at chores," but he remains fearful. With only two weeks before Tim's trip, Tuffy decides on a last resort: the hound dons not one but two Ultra Dog capes and tries to fly off the second floor. Wilson (Perfect Man) and Hammer (making his picture-book debut) create a humorous comics-style story featuring bold illustrations and amusing pop-culture references (a poster in Tim's room reads, "To the Dog Star and Beyond!"). Along with the laughs, the tale assures that Tuffy doesn't need to be ultra-anything, just himself, in order to be loved. Ages 4-7. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When a new dog comes into Tim's life, his canine best friend, Tuffy, is left wondering where he stands."Tuffy loved Tim. And Tim loved Tuffy." However, Tim also loves Ultra Dog, "the ultra-est dog in the universe!" He loves everything about Ultra Dog: the TV show, books, games, and appareleven the underwear. Despite Tim's obsession with the fictional pooch, however, Tuffy is still pretty sure that Tim loves him, until the neighbor cat begins sowing seeds of doubt. With the cherished relationship in question, Tuffy tries to prove he is as worthy of Tim's love and attention as Ultra Dog. He strives to be the most obedient, most helpful, most affectionate dog a kid could ask for. The ultra-est, even. When Tuffy's attempts to impress ultimately backfire, he learns the true depth of Tim's love and friendship. Truly, a dog is a boy's best friend, and the feeling is mutual. Utilizing comic conventions, including speech bubbles and paneled illustrations, Hanmer's bright and dynamic visuals add energy and physical comedy to Tuffy's anxious attempts to secure his friendship. Wilson's plot is sure to entertain, but it will also resonate on a deeper level with anyone who has ever felt envious of a new friend, sibling, or pet. Tim and his parents share the same straight, black hair and tan skin; Tim wears his hair long, in pleasing defiance of gender norms.Humorous and endearing, worth sharing with human and furry friends alike. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
