Review by Booklist Review
Toby the French bulldog is comfortable as king of the house, with specific spots reserved just for him until Pinkie, another Frenchie, arrives and takes them over. Upon meeting her, Toby attempts to show he is the alpha dog, but Pinkie is unfazed and proceeds to seize his territory. Toby tries challenging her, to no avail, with Pinkie continuing to occupy his spots. Feeling dejected, Toby seeks warmth elsewhere, only to end up in a cold, dark, and isolated area. As he suffers in misery, Pinkie finds him and shares her warmth with him, making him realize that Pinkie makes a better friend than an enemy. Jim McMullan's expressive watercolor illustrations, in a rich palette of jewel tones, cultivate a warm, cozy atmosphere, and the dogs themselves have lots of character. The winsome dog story is perfect for little ones getting used to a new sibling and all the emotions that entails, such as feelings of displacement, rivalry, rejection, loneliness, and, ultimately, adaptability, bonding, and friendship. A great pair for Lauren Child's The New Small Person (2015).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Married collaborators Kate and Jim McMullan (I Stink!) tell the story of Toby, a russet French bulldog who loves warm spots: a "morning sun puddle," a cuddle in his beloved human's lap, a front-row seat by the fire. But those pleasures inevitably "fade or disappear or fizzle," reads one of the book's many evocative lines, and they become even more short-lived when the family welcomes a new Frenchie into the house, white Pinkie. Now Toby has competition for all the warm spots--until he realizes that Pinkie's snuggling and companionship mean a sunlike warmth is "right there beside him." Velvety, radiant watercolors, a mix of spreads and vignettes, immerse readers in the floor-adjacent landscape of a small dog's world; the illustrator's signature gift for evoking character with sculptural volume and density seems tailor-made for the chiseled, chunky protagonists. And while Toby's sense of uncertainty and indignity feels authentically portrayed ("Toby felt pushed out, left out. He barked WOOF WOOF! GO AWAY!"), readers will sense that there is hope: even when he retreats to the basement and life is literally at its darkest, there are always hints of light. Ages 3--7. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Toby the bulldog enjoys spending time at home snuggled in his owner's lap, lounging in a sun puddle, and resting by the fireplace. However, every time the warmth from those spots fades, Toby longs for a more permanent substitute. When new addition Pinky arrives, Toby has even less time to bask in the warmth of his favorite spots. Has Toby been pushed out or will he find the lasting warmth and comfort that he is seeking? Radiating with themes of love and acceptance, this book tells the story of a dog's home life and his adjustment to a new family member. Any child that has experienced the addition of a sibling will appreciate Toby's feelings and will be happy for Toby as he discovers that his place in the home is always secure. The watercolor illustrations create a warm and cozy familial feel and Toby's body language and facial expressions allow readers to empathize with him as he moves through a range of emotions. VERDICT A heartwarming picture book of familial love and security. A great selection for dog lovers and new siblings everywhere.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A French bulldog named Toby adjusts to the arrival of a new dog, a female named Pinkie, and the pair quickly become best friends. Toby is a sedate, rusty-orange dog who has his favorite spots in his house, all denoting warmth and safety. He loves his special patch of sunlight on the carpet and the warm lap of his owner, a white teenager who likes to read. When Pinkie (with distinctive pink ears) arrives on the scene, she immediately takes over the house, leaving Toby displaced and depressed. He slinks down to the basement to hide in a corner, but Pinkie follows him, and her concern leads to a quick rapprochement, with the two dogs suddenly pals for life. Pinkie's approach to Tobyshe sidles up "against his rump"may set off some questions or giggles, with its focus on dog rear ends. The metaphor of their canine companionship as the new sunshine in Toby's life will likely go over the heads of the intended audience. Watercolor illustrations once Pinkie arrives have a rather dark, foreboding air to contrast with the sun and light elements, and the dogs often seem posed and static.The McMullans have won legions of fans with I Stink! (2002) and its sequels, but their dog characters fail to exert the same snappy appeal. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
